Chris McCausland, Strictly Come Dancing’s first-ever blind contestant, has shared with fans the rather savage response pro dancer Dianne Buswell had to the news she’d been paired with him.
On Saturday night, the pair will perform their debut dance on the first live show of the series after being unveiled as a couple during last week’s launch.
McCausland was undoubtedly one of the launch show’s shining stars as he left his co-stars, hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, and millions at home in stitches with his numerous self-deprecating quips and quick-witted one-liners.
The comedian joked he’d only be on the show for “three weeks”, remarked that Buswell will have November off, and left co-star Punam Krishan open-mouthed with his savage GP quip.
Buswell laughed along with the comedian during the launch but has insisted the pair are going to give the series their all to remain in the competition as long as possible.
While the Australian dancer was overjoyed and relished the chance to work with McCausland once he was confirmed as her partner, the comedian has now revealed the remark she made to her father that may have suggested otherwise.
In an Instagram video of the two as they took a break from rehearsing, Buswell told her followers: “My dad left me a message today. A public message right, on Instagram. He still doesn’t understand when he sends a message that everyone can see it.”
“Oh, the truth came out,” McCausland interjected as Buswell began to laugh. “He calls these shows concerts which is adorable. Well done there, Mr Buswell. I like that.
“But he also said that when Dianne was paired with me even though she’s claimed all along that she really wanted to be paired with me…
“She said to her dad, ‘Listen, dad, winning isn’t everything.’ I mean, how’s that for a vote of confidence?”
BBC Strictly: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell were paired up during Saturday’s launch show
BBC
Buswell burst into laughter as McCausland teased her: “She’s kept that to herself, it’s taken her dad coming half way around the world to have the decency and the dignity to bring the truth out into the open.”
Impersonating Buswell’s dad, McCausland said: “‘Listen, she’s playing you here, Chris. She’s got no faith in you whatsoever.'”
The comedian then began impersonating how the phone call may have played out, donning an Australian accent as he mocked: “‘G’Day my little buzzard!'”
“‘My little p***er!'” Buswell chipped in before McCausland went on: “‘How’s it going? You feeling confident about the new concert?’… ‘Well dad, I’m having fun but winning isn’t everything’… ‘Ah, jeez. I’m sorry to hear that!'”
Reverting to his normal voice, McCausland remarked: “Winning isn’t everything but sometimes you’ve got to do a little bit of work for charity. I don’t know if this video is any good but remember… winning isn’t everything.”
The pair both shared a laugh as they brought the video to a close while fans rushed to the comments to share their verdict on the partnership.
BBC Strictly 2024: Dianne Buswell (second from right) is one of this year’s pro dancers
BBC
One fan praised: “It’s true though. Winning isn’t everything. The public are gonna love voting for Chris though. He’s got our hearts already. Go team. Have a good time on the dance floor and enjoy it.”
A second echoed: “I think you have already won in terms of partner. Chris is fab, will do his best and is so very funny.”
“Chris is going to save @strictlycomedancing2024 after all the 23 controversy. He is absolutely hilarious!” a third weighed in.
Before a fourth remarked: ‘You two are my absolute favourite couple, like never laughed so hard when seeing your videos.” (sic)
