Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland is praised by disability charity for ‘breaking down barriers’ in TV after becoming the first blind contestant on the show

Strictly Come Dancing Chris McCausland has been praised for ‘breaking barriers’ on television after winning the BBC show last weekend.

The blind comedian, 47, who lifted the Glitterball with partner Dianne Buswell, was applauded by disability charity Scope for bringing representation to primetime TV.

The charity claimed that Chris’ appearance on the show will help to ‘change perceptions’ and start a conversation about disability inclusion.

Alison Kerry, head of communications at disability equality charity Scope, said: ‘It’s fantastic that Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell have won the Glitterball Trophy.

‘One in four of us in Britain is disabled. Disability representation on TV, especially on a major BBC show, is so important.

‘It helps break down barriers, changes attitudes and gives viewers a better understanding of the lives, talent and potential of people with disabilities.

‘Thanks to Chris’ winning performance, perceptions will be challenged and more people will have conversations about the importance of disability inclusion and accessibility.

‘Strictly’s impact on breaking down barriers cannot be understated. It is an extremely popular and entertaining program. But the media industry still has a long way to go to achieve true disability representation.”

Chris has captured the hearts of the nation after his incredible turn on the show and is reportedly set to rake in a whopping £1million after Saturday’s nail-biting final.

The prankster was crowned champions with partner Dianne during the live final after beating fellow finalists Tasha Ghouri and Sarah Hadland.

Chris has already added an incredible 100 more dates to his Yonks comedy tour and according to The mirror is in line for TV presenting and acting gigs – after allegedly helping save the glitzy competition after a year of scandal.

PR expert Mark Borkowski told the publication: ‘He hasn’t just danced his way to the bank, he’s carried Strictly there and turned a potentially disastrous serious case into a brilliant headline-grabbing redemption arc.’

“As a blind comedian, he has exceeded expectations and achieved a victory that is both groundbreaking and natural, proving that talent and charisma truly captivate an audience.”

Before adding, “He strictly burnished his star to prime-time gold.”

Meanwhile, PR expert Mark Borkowski said The mirror: ‘ Chris is Strictly’s unlikely savior after a pre-season full of turmoil.’

“His authenticity and humor have given the show some much-needed credibility and warmth, and reminded everyone why they fell in love with the format in the first place.”

Before adding, “He strictly burnished his star to prime-time gold.”

Meanwhile, Chris and his ‘down-to-earth humour’ are said to be in line for a major BBC show in a bid to boost the broadcaster’s comedy output.

Not only did he make history during his Strictly stint as the show’s first ever blind contestant, but he also impressed bosses with his cheeky humour.

A source said The sun: ‘What he did by keeping everyone’s eye on him during the run of Strictly was to show that he was not just funny, but proved that he had a traditional sense of humor that can connect with ordinary viewers at home.’

‘That’s something critics say is missing from many comedy series on the Beeb, and Chris could breathe new life into a genre that was once a mainstay for the company.’

Before we add that Chris’ talents can also be used for more general drag shows, the bosses are also planning to reunite him with professional partner Dianne to recapture their ‘sensational chemistry’.

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.

When he was declared the winner during the final, Chris burst into tears as he was hugged by his fellow celebrities before triumphantly throwing Dianne over his shoulder as the crowd went wild.

Asked how the moment felt by presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Chris said: ‘It’s amazing, I don’t know what to say. I honestly thought I was going to date for the first week or two and I know no one went out the first week, but I still thought I could do it.

‘We just endured and endured and [Dianne] has gotten so much out of me and she deserves that [the trophy] so much,” as he then gushed over her “positivity” and “faith.”

He then joked, “Unless she changes her number, she’s stuck with me.” This is for [Dianne] and everyone out there, it just goes to show that with the opportunity and support, anything is possible!’.

Chris achieved his first perfect score of 40 points for a waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers, which was his final dance of the series and left the judges and viewers in tears.

His second routine was a mash-up of dance styles to New Radicals’ You Get What You Give and he recreated his viral ‘blackout’ moment for the first dance.

Chris and Dianne also danced to their own tune – Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon.

With a dark cloud hanging over her since January 2023, when contestant Amanda Abbington first came forward with her complaints about professional partner Giovanni Pernice, Chris has brought bundles of joy to viewers of the controversial show.

The show was then hit by a new wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.

Giovanni was cleared of ten of Amanda’s sixteen allegations when the BBC investigation concluded in September, but remained absent for the current edition of the series.