Comedian Chris McCausland may have walked away with the coveted Strictly Come Dancing Glitterball trophy, 

but that wasn’t the only keepsake he took from his time on the hit BBC show. The 47-year-old, who made history as the first blind contestant to compete—and win—on Strictly, 

recently revealed that he also kept a more personal memento from his three-month journey in the competition.

McCausland, who was partnered with professional dancer Dianne Buswell for the 2024 series, wowed audiences with his remarkable progress and dedication. 

His performances led him all the way to the grand final, 

where he competed against Miranda actress Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec, and JLS singer JB Gill and Lauren Oakley. 

In a spectacular finale, McCausland and Buswell claimed victory after earning a perfect score for their waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and The Pacemakers, leaving both of them overwhelmed with emotion.

Now, as he reflects on his time on Strictly, McCausland has shared some behind-the-scenes details—including the sentimental item he took from the show as a reminder of his experience.

An Emotional Victory

During an upcoming appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, set to air on February 15, McCausland opened up about the powerful emotions he felt upon winning Strictly Come Dancing.

“It was emotional, Jonathan. It was so emotional,” he said. “Me and Dianne were meant to link arms at the end and walk off. As we linked arms, she crumpled and then I crumpled, and the two of us were in bits. It was a lot, you know.”

Their triumph was particularly poignant given McCausland’s groundbreaking achievement as the first blind contestant to lift the Glitterball trophy. His journey on Strictly had been physically demanding, with intense training sessions and the challenge of learning each routine without sight. His success was not only a personal victory but an inspiring moment for fans of the show.

The Unexpected Keepsake

While some might expect a Strictly champion to keep a trophy or costume as a souvenir, McCausland admitted that he took something a little more unconventional—a Strictly Come Dancing-embroidered dressing gown.

During his interview, McCausland shared that, although he took the robe home, he has yet to wear it.

“I haven’t had the face to wear it at home yet in case someone knocks at the door and I forget I’ve got it on,” he joked.

The dressing gown, a staple for contestants backstage as they prepare for their performances, serves as a lighthearted yet meaningful reminder of the incredible journey he undertook on the show.

A New Audience for His Comedy

In addition to winning the Strictly trophy and keeping his backstage dressing gown, McCausland has also noticed a shift in his audience since his time on the show. As a stand-up comedian, he has been performing for years, but Strictly introduced him to an entirely new fanbase.

“I think I was lucky enough to get enough of my daft sense of humour across in the show that I think they know what they’re getting if they’ve only seen me on Strictly and they’re coming along,” he explained.

McCausland’s natural wit and charm shone through during his time on Strictly, making him a fan favorite. His success on the dance floor, combined with his comedic personality, has drawn a broader audience to his live shows.

A Journey to Remember

From unforgettable performances to enduring friendships and even a Strictly-branded dressing gown, McCausland’s experience on Strictly Come Dancing has left a lasting impact. His victory not only highlighted his resilience and determination but also proved that the power of dance transcends limitations.

As he continues his comedy career with a new wave of fans, McCausland’s time on Strictly will remain one of the most inspiring and memorable journeys in the show’s history.

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