Chris has gone almost overnight from working stand-up to national treasure (Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
2024 champion, , has candidly spoken about the pressures of participating in the popular dance competition.
He acknowledged the mental toughness required, stating, “I can see how people have struggled with it in the past, because you’ve got to be tough.”
The comedian confessed to experiencing significant stress during the show’s 13-week run, which his young daughter Sophie also sensed and mirrored.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, he shared, “In the end, she watched the final at home, screaming at the telly.”
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Chris and his professional partner Dianne Buswell were crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing’s 2024 series (Image: BBC)
With emotion evident during the interview, Chris fondly remembered: “It felt incredible for her to be that proud and that delighted.”
The 47 year old previously revealed to The Telegraph that Sophie had initially been anxious about his participation in the high-profile contest, saying, “She was terrified when I started this, because I think she could pick up on my nerves, and I couldn’t hide it. She was so nervous for me, in case I fell over.”
As the first blind celebrity contestant, Chris harboured fears of a potential mishap on live television, reports the .
Initially, Sophie would reassure him that merely taking part was a victory in itself.
Chris – and Dianne – have been deluged with offers since the win (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
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However, as the weeks progressed, both their confidence levels soared. Chris reminisced, “It was when we got to the semi-finals, she said, ‘Daddy, do you know when I said it doesn’t matter?
“I’ve changed my mind … I think you can win this thing’.”
There’s no doubt that clinching the Strictly title has significantly transformed Chris’s life.
Prior to his stint on Strictly, Chris enjoyed a successful career in stand-up comedy and made occasional appearances on shows such as Would I Lie to You? and Have I Got News for You.
Chris made Strictly history as the first blind contestant to take part in the competition (Image: PA)
However, his career has taken a new turn as has acquired his two year old comedy special Speaky Blinder, now rebranded as : Live.
He also delivered Channel 4’s annual Alternative Christmas message, and he and his dance partner Dianne Buswell are fronting a new podcast, Winning Isn’t Everything.
Due to high demand, extra dates have been added to Chris’s live tour, Yonks!, and his autobiography is set to hit the shelves this October, just in time for the lucrative pre-Christmas market.