Strictly Come Dancing fans were left reaching for the tissues after ‘s stirring performance on Saturday night. The Liverpudlian captivated audiences with his moving routine with partner Dianne Buswell.
As the competition’s inaugural visually impaired contestant, Chris had earmarked week 10 as a significant milestone because it coincided with the arrival of Dianne’s parents, Rina and Mark, from Australis.
It had been seven long years since the professional dancer’s folks had witnessed her dance live, and Chris was determined to make this poignant reunion happen, acknowledging Dianne’s unwavering support throughout his journey.
In an exclusive chat with the Liverpool Echo earlier this month, he expressed: “This is nothing without her, she has got the most out of me and I think it will be nice if we’re both able to give something to each other. If we can get to that moment then stick a fork in me, I’ll be done. But certainly, I’m hoping to stay in this for as long as possible.”
The emotional high point of the evening was reached when Chris and Dianne fulfilled their shared aspiration, performing a passionate Paso Doble while Mark and Rina proudly looked on from the audience. The sight of Mark, visibly moved and shedding tears, touched everyone watching.
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Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell achieved their goal on Saturday (Image: BBC)
Those tuning into the show on X shared their heartfelt reactions to the touching scene. One fan tweeted: “Dianne’s dad crying after their dance has absolutely sent me. so happy they could be here.”
Another echoed the sentiment, saying: “I cannot cope when I see a dad crying with pride,” reports .
A third chimed in with: “Dianne’s dad has me bawling” while Claire simply stated: “Oh my Dianne’s Dad” And Karen confessed: “Oh gawd… Papa Buswell is making me well up. They are so proud of Dianne”.
Someone else was moved to tears, sharing: “Dianne’s dad crying after seeing her and chris dance has me crying.”
Dianne Buswell’s dad broke down in tears after the performance on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC)
Chris, who received a score of 33 from the judges, expressed his satisfaction at achieving what many thought improbable.
Reflecting on the journey, he said: “I thought it would be a disaster. When we realised it kind of wasn’t everyone started talking Blackpool and Dianne said her parents were here the week after so that kind of became [the target]. It may be a bit of pipedream, but if we try hard enough and here we are.”
He also acknowledged the support from the public: “Its not just down to what we’ve done there. There’s been a few weeks when we’ve needed the people at home to make sure we’re here so thanks to everyone.”
Despite Chris reaching his goal, his fans are not prepared to see him exit the competition. One fan emotionally stated: “In tears again Love them both Chris and Diane to win!”
Another voiced her strong support, adding: “If Chris doesn’t win @bbcstrictly #strictly there’s no justice. I don’t care if other people are “better”, he and Dianne bring the joy and that’s what it’s about.”
returns tonight at 7.20pm on One.