Dianne Buswell issues statement as she breaks silence on BBC Strictly win 24 hours after Chris McCausland victory
Dianne Buswell has issued a lengthy statement paying tribute to celebrity dance partner Chris McCausland, her family, and the entire team at Strictly following Saturday’s grand finale.
In a historic feat, Buswell accompanied McCausland as the two lifted the Glitterball Trophy after seeing off the likes of JB Gill, Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri in the final.
Their victory was an emotional and historic one as McCausland became the show’s first-ever blind champion.
An emotional McCausland struggled to speak after Tess Daly told him of his victory but he quickly regained composure to dedicate the win to his dance partner.
“She deserves this so much. Every day – her positivity, her belief, and she is just honestly one of the easiest people to be funny with. Unless she changes her number she’s stuck with me,” McCausland said on Saturday night.
“And this is for her and for everyone out there that was told they couldn’t do something. It shows that opportunity, and support, and just determination just – anything can happen.”
Buswell was keen to reciprocate the praise during the final moments of Saturday’s extravaganza but now, she’s gone one step further by publishing a lengthy tribute to the comedian.
On Sunday night, 24 hours after she lifted the trophy, Buswell’s full statement began on Instagram: “From the man who said to me weekly Di I’m just a 47 year old comedian who signed the wrong paper to the winner of strictly come dancing 2024.
“Chris started this show not having any idea at ALL about any of it! I wasn’t just teaching Chris the dances I was explaining everything that was also going on around us and as you know there’s a lot that goes on visually with strictly.
“It blew my mind even more when I actually started to explain things out loud I had so much more appreciation for everything. My teaching style was 90 percent visual I wouldn’t want to teach in a room without mirrors because it was the way I perfected things.
“With Chris we had to find different ways of making it work. And this is what Chris is brilliant at he is a problem solver and he taught me to think outside the box.
“Just because there’s an obstacle in the way doesn’t mean you can’t get to the destination successfully.
“I am forever grateful for the friendship I have gained in such an incredible person he says I changed his life but like wise I see things in a different way now and I’m forever grateful.”
As well as paying tribute to McCausland, Buswell also delivered some kind words to the rest of the team at Strictly Come Dancing.
“To the strictly producers, dance team, lighting, music, band, costume, hair and makeup, camera crew, props team, judges, pros, presenters, contestants, viewers and every one else that makes this show possible thank you for another brilliant year you all work so hard in your departments and it’s the best show on telly because of all of you.”
She then reflected: “This really was a moment that I’ll never forget in my life! I had my beautiful parents in the audience and them seeing me dance was something I wanted for so long the fact they got to see us lift the glitterball was just magical.
“I’m still so overwhelmed with the kindness of people and the support you have shown us through out this whole thing thank you all so so much… Sending you all love,” Buswell signed off with a love heart emoji.
Inevitably, fans, co-stars and fellow pros rushed to share their congratulatory messages to the Aussie dancer.
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Fellow finalist Lauren Oakley was just one who wrote: “The most worthy winners!! Well done to both of you. What you have both created is awe inspiring, and I’m incredibly proud to call you my friend.
“Watching you guide Chris not only on the dance floor, but through day to day life – the things off screen was just beautiful. What a bond you have both made… and what you created in that floor was magical. Well done to both of you… so much love for Strictly 2024!!”
Elsewhere, Welsh pro Amy Dowden penned: “My darling friend, I’ll keep saying it, what a gem, a darling and a talent you are! So happy for you and your family! Xxxx.”
Gorka Marquez weighed in: “You both deserve it! Been amazing every week and you should be so proud of what you have done! It was so inspiring to watch.”
And Nadiya Bychkova followed suit: “Absolutely incredible… Congratulations,” followed by a series of party emojis. (sic)