Author: bang1

Strictly Come Dancing winner, Chris McCausland, could be waltzing all the way to the bank after his spell-binding performance on the BBC show

Comedian, Chris McCausland, could rake in more than £2 million following his astonishing win on Strictly Come Dancing.

The dad-of-one, 47, who is the show’s first blind contestant, captured the nation’s hearts when he bagged the Glitterball trophy on Saturday after months of dedicated rehearsals and spell-binding live performances.

Chris, who is about to go back on tour in January until 2026 due to “phenomenal demand”, is said to have TV bosses eager to sign up him to a string of new shows and stands to rake in the cash for his efforts.

Speaking to the Mirror, celebrity PR expert, Chade Teixeira, said the star’s earnings could easily top £2 million. He said: “Chris’ win on Strictly has put him in a whole new league. With prime-time TV opportunities, an extended comedy tour, and potential brand endorsements, he could easily be looking at an additional £1-2 million in earnings over the next year. If he lands a long-term TV deal, that number could climb even higher.

Strictly Come Dancing winner, Chris McCausland, could be waltzing all the way to the bank ( 
Image:
PA)

“The BBC will for sure be eager to retain his talents, considering him for major roles in upcoming comedy and entertainment shows to revitalise their programming too.”

Chad continued: “Chris has everything it takes to capitalise on this moment. He could secure a presenting role on a major show, which alone could bring in upwards of £500,000 annually. Combine that with a best-selling comedy tour and sponsorships, and he’s well on his way to becoming one of the top-earning entertainers of the year.”

In January, the comedian resumes his Yonks tour, which he kicked off this year before getting the call from Strictly. The tour, which has had a whole hosts of dates added up and down the country following Chris’ performance on the dance show, is described as “another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been yonks in the making.”

Chris will be performing as part of Omid Djalili’s NYE Special at London’s Cadogan Hall before his tour kicks off on January 23rd January in Nottingham. He then performs up and down the country until 2026 following his star-studded success on Strictly. He also has an international show in Dublin on October 24, 2025.

Giving his take on the tour, Chad said it was. “clever career decision” to capitalise on his Strictly popularity, explaining: “He has extended his UK comedy tour, Yonks! by over 100 dates, with shows scheduled through April 2026, reflecting his growing popularity. Capitalising and focusing on his own personal tour as oppose to taking part in the strictly live tour was a clever career decision to ensure relevance and success while his popularity is high post strictly.”

He concluded: “This is just the start. With the exposure from Strictly, Chris could sign deals worth £2-5 million over the next few years if he plays his cards right. He’s got universal appeal and now, the audience to match.”

Coleen Nolan says ITV show Loose Women has become more “restricted’ in recent years, as panellists fear they could be cancelled for having the wrong opinion.

Coleen Nolan has shared her honest thoughts about a “negative change” she’s noticed on Loose Women in recent years.

The 59-year-old said panellists are now more “restricted” with what they say than they were in the show’s earlier years, in fear of being cancelled.

“Back then, you could say what you wanted and while people might not have agreed with you, it didn’t mean you were cancelled or never going to work again,” Coleen told Love Sunday Magazine.

“Now, we have to be really careful and edit ourselves. That’s the only slightly negative change.”

Despite this change, Coleen said she has still cherished every moment she’s spent on the panel since 2000.

During an interview with ITV to celebrate the show’s recent 25th anniversary, the mother-of-three reminisced over some of her greatest memories so far.

“There are too many to list, every week there is a memorable moment on the show,” she shared.

Loose Women has been on air for 25 years ( 
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ITV)
“But, obviously my first time on the show, walking on as a guest for the first time was pretty nerve wracking – and dancing with Britney Spears is also up there!”

Coleen’s new interview comes after former panellist Carol McGiffin claimed the show had turned “boring”, following her departure last year.

The 64-year-old claimed to GB News that tough contract negotiations led to “too much stress” and went on to criticise the show for being “too woke”.

Speaking with Woman’s Own Magazine, she added: “I don’t regret leaving. I don’t fit in there anymore. Someone, somewhere will be offended by absolutely everything. I’d rather not be on a show that panders to that.

“It’s boring – and I won’t be told what I can or can’t say.”

Despite her exit, Carol confirmed that she still shares a close bond with some of the panellists, including Denise Welch and Nadia Sawalha, but not all.

“Some, I have nothing in common with. As I said to them, ‘You’re not friends, you’re just people I work with, who I really like’, which horrified them,” she added to the publication.

Singer Coleen Nolan provided fans with rare insight into how she helped one of her children through their first heartbreak as she opened up about relationship woes on ITV’s Loose Women.

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan has opened up on the first heartbreak her child experienced, as she discussed relationship woes on the ITV show.

The 59-year-old was back on the panel alongside Charlene White, Brenda Edwards and Gloria Hunniford on Monday’s festive programme (December 16). As the ladies shared their thoughts on TV star Fearne Cotton’s recent split from husband Jesse Wood, host Charlene asked how important it is for young adults to deal with a relationship breakdown.

Sharing her thoughts, Coleen said: “When my kids went through it, I remember one time in particular, I went upstairs and one of my kids was just lying on the floor sobbing. And I went and laid down with them and just held them, really.”

She continued: “They were 17 and I knew they didn’t want to hear me say ‘you know this is probably going to happen ten times, you will get over it’ because when you’re young, you don’t think you will.

Coleen Nolan spoke openly about heartbreak on Loose Women ( 
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ITV)

“I remember going back to that feeling of when my heart was broken and my heart was breaking for them because you don’t want your kids heartbroken. But it was a lovely moment between the two of us and I thought, just let them cry and we’ll work it out day by day- however long it takes- and it will ease.”

Coleen also mentioned that the support is “important”. However you rarely tell people that it might go wrong.

The panel opened up on heartbreak
Earlier this month, Coleen hit headlines after it was revealed that she split from her partner, Michael Jones, after three years together. The Loose Women star began dating the supermarket logistics worker back in 2021 after meeting on dating app Tinder.

But Coleen has since revealed that the pair have decided to part ways for good. However they are committed to still remaining good friends.

Coleen recently revealed she split from her partner of three years ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

She told OK!: “We’ve decided that we would rather just stay friends, take it as a friendship. And, you know, it’s nothing to do with anyone else, it’s nobody’s fault.

“But I’m really busy and when I’m not really busy with work I’m busy on the farm and I feel personally that I can’t give time to everything. We still get along great and hopefully we can continue to be friends, who knows?”

Pop star Katy Perry performed a series of her top hits at Capital Jingle Bell Ball which was broadcast on ITV as some viewers issued scathing comments on her singing

Katy Perry has faced fierce backlash over her performance at ITV Capital Jingle Bell Ball.

The pop star, 40, made a performance at the star-studded event where a string of huge performers took to the stage at London’s O2 Arena. It took place earlier this month yet aired to the nation on Sunday evening. Capital Radio hosts Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby hosted the glitzy event as Coldplay, KSI and Perrie Edwards were just a few performers on the line-up.

However, Katy’s performance on the night attracted plenty of attention online and for the wrong reasons. She took to the stage to perform a series of her early 2010s hits including California Gurls and Roar. The American singer also added in some festive numbers, including Cozy Little Christmas.

Fans inside the O2 seemed to enjoy Katy’s performance while many watching at home gave scathing verdicts. One viewer even went as far as calling for Katy to retire. They said: “”She should retire.” Another added: “Fun popstar but sounds terrible.” Someone else commented: “Weak vocals huh.”

Katy received harsh backlash for her performance ( 
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instagram/capitalofficial)

The singer has recently launched her comeback ( 
Image:
Billboard via Getty Images)

A fourth wrote: ” Katy Perry needs to stop trying to make Katy Perry happen again. Leave it in the 2010s girl #CapitalJBB.” Another viewer shared: “Katy, there’s no shame in miming. Yours sincerely, My Ears. #JingleBellBall.” Others came to her defence as one said: “Wow @katyperry you was amazing and I’ve got respect for you because you didn’t mime like some artists do. It’s not easy to sing and dance live so well done girl xx #CapitalJBB #JBB.”

Someone else gushed: “She’s so perfect.” Capital Jingle Bell Ball also took issue with DJ Joel Corry, who opened up the show. The Ibiza favourite took off his top and used a flame thrower in front of the 20,000 strong-crowd who appeared to enjoy the hot moment. However, some were left unimpressed by his decision to strip off.

Taking to X, one fan penned: “Look at me. Look at me. I’ve got a six pack and light a flame thrower.” Another added: “Is taking your T-shirt off to use a flame thrower a health & safety thing Joel Corry? #jinglebellBall.” A third person said: “Joel Corry is making me cringe like no tomorrow.”

Ahead of hosting the show, former BBC Radio One host Jordan opened up about making his Jingle Bell Ball debut. The former I’m A Celebrity contestant said: “I’m absolutely buzzing! I cannot wait for Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball with Barclaycard, especially because it’s two nights. I did Summertime Ball, which gave me a little taster of what to expect, but Jingle Bell Ball is two nights, and I can’t wait.

“It’s at the most perfect time of the year, just to get everyone in that festive spirit. And we’ve got some great acts as well! I was so nervous for Summertime Ball. It’s probably the most nervous I’ve ever been about anything. It’s funny, because I’ve seen a mate recently and she said to me in the pub, just before Summertime Ball, ‘I honestly thought you were going to be sick!’ So, it was enjoyable, but also very nerve wracking.”

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden is set to make a shock comeback to the show after she was forced to withdraw from this year’s series through injury

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing will be elated after the news Amy Dowden will be returning for the arena tour next year.

Professional dancer Amy was forced to pull out of this year’s competition through injury, but is set to take to the dance floor once again. It’s been revealed Amy will be back dancing with JB Gill for the tour.

The JLS man will dance with both Amy and Lauren Oakley throughout the 30-show tour.

The full line-up for the eagerly anticipated shows has now been confirmed. As well as Lauren, Amy and JB, the couples performing will be Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas, Montell Douglas and Kai Widdrington, Wynne Evans and Katya Jones; Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola and Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu.

The full line-up has been announced

Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystal plus Robbie Kmetoni and Jake Leigh, will also be on hand to entertain the crowd for the live tour. As too will judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, with Motsi Mabuse making her tour debut. It Take Two’s Janette Manrara completes the bumper line up.

Speaking of the upcoming tour and Amy’s inclusion, Janette said: “Wow – what an incredible line-up of couples we have on the tour next year! Arena audiences around the country are in for a real treat. It’s going to be a blast to be back with all the pros and, as an extra special treat, it will be a joy to welcome back the lovely Amy Dowden. Get ready for an evening of pure Strictly entertainment for the whole family – bigger and better than ever before!”

JB Gill will perform with both Lauren Oakley and Amy Dowden

Amy had to withdraw from the TV series due to injury ( 
Image:
PA)While the bumper line-up is sure to please fans, there is one noticeable absentee. Winner Chris McCausland won’t be joining the tour and detailed the “emotional toll” the show had taken on him while speaking to ITV’s Lorraine. The comedian told stand-in presenter Ranvir Singh: “It’s been a really emotional Saturday night and I’m still feeling quite worn down by it. It’s been three and a half months; it’s relentless. It’s consuming – physically and mentally it takes a toll. This is what the show does, it wears you down physically and mentally and then it pokes you with a stick until you cry in front of everybody.
He added: ” I started my tour in January this year and I did the first leg until May and I was meant to be back out in September. We moved the dates to accommodate Strictly, so we just moved them to January. We had to move these dates to accommodate Strictly and it just wasn’t a consideration at the time…
“I don’t think anybody thought I would be any good at it. I don’t think they thought it, I don’t think I thought it. And in terms of going on tour in January, I didn’t think I’d be going on tour on the back of Strictly. I thought I’d have about two months off.”

The 2025 Strictly tour opens at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on January 17 before touring the UK.

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 has crowned its winner, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announcing the result live on air during Saturday’s final as Chris McCausland stormed to victory

Chris McCausland has won Strictly Come Dancing 2024, with the result revealed live on Saturday night.

The comedian and his pro dance partner Dianne Buswell burst into tears and celebrated as they were declared this year’s winners after a close final. Moments after sharing how much the win would mean to him, Chris was announced as this series’ champion.

Four couples remained with their final three performances all they could do to pull off a win. But only one couple could be victorious, as announced on air by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Chris and Dianne, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley and Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec all made it to the live final after months of live shows and training. As Saturday’s result came in, just one couple was awarded the Glitterball Trophy.

As the result came in, Chris and Dianne were in complete shock and quickly hugged it out. Left in tears, they were applauded by the judges, crowd and their co-stars as Claudia congratulated them.

Their fellow finalists rallied around them and embraced them, as Chris wiped back tears. Dianne was shaking, as the hosts asked Chris about his win.

Tess asked how it felt, with a speechless Chris saying: “It’s astonishing, I don’t know what to say. I thought I would go out in the first week or two. We have lasted and lasted and she has got so much out of me, she deserves this so much.”

Chris McCausland has won Strictly Come Dancing
He added: “This is for her and for everyone out there who thought… who got told they couldn’t do something or thought they couldn’t do it. With opportunity and support and determination anything can happen.” A teary Dianne told him it was “for both of them”, screaming: “We did it!”

Comedian Chris has inspired the whole nation with his performances, as the show’s first ever blind contestant. The way he has taken on the show and progressed his dancing skills, thanks to pro dancer Dianne’s help, has inspired viewers with them constantly heaping praise on the finalist.

In recent weeks the star has shared the obstacles he has faced throughout the series, with Dianne often explaining to the hosts, judges and viewers what they are up against in training. In a moving moment on Saturday night, judge Craig Revel Horwood revealed he finally realised just how much Chris and Dianne had to put into every training session in order to deliver such epic performances, as he visited the training room.

With Chris’ sight loss, Craig was able to see how Dianne trained him to dance and to follow the steps to ensure each routine was done correctly. The judge even wrote Chris a poem, after his newfound appreciation for Chris’ skill having seen how much work it takes to learn each step, direction, and to know what is going on around him.

Chris had previously confessed he put off Strictly for so long as he was unsure he could do it, and he also didn’t want to encourage negative comments. He decided to challenge himself and has gone on to win the entire show, something he wasn’t expecting.

The comedian and his pro dance partner Dianne Buswell burst into tears
Dianne was in tears in a recent episode after another amazing routine, as she detailed how Chris’ “safe space” had been looking at the floor for years, with him now changing his posture completely and seeming confident on the dance floor. It followed some critique about the way he was stood and his frame during his dance.

Ahead of the final, Dianne also shared how he had the disadvantage of not being able to see his fellow finalists, and not knowing how well they could perform as he had not seen a single step by anyone else. At the time, host Tess was so choked with emotion she could barely get the next link out. And Di’s words had a similar effect on all the pro dancers gathered in the Clauditorium.

Viewers had believed they knew who would win the series just hours before the finale on Saturday. Chris and Dianne were this year’s favourites amongst fans to claim victory over the three other pairings.

Taking to X before the live final and before any result was announced, one fan said: “Will win: Chris McCausland.” A second viewer agreed: “Chris will win out of highest quality year yet.” A third added: “There appears to be a consensus that Chris McCausland will win,” while another fan commented of who will win: “It’s obvious Chris & Dianne will win and if they do it’ll be well deserved!”

Comedian Chris has inspired the whole nation with his performancesThe comments kept on coming with another reading: “Genuinely never been so assured someone is going to win strictly before then I do think Chris & Dianne will do this evening.” A further theory read: “I think Chris will pass out if they win though, and Dianne needs some sort of special award for what she has achieved.”

Meanwhile, judge Anton Du Beke praised the series before the live finale as the consensus was it was one of the best series in years. With all four couples taking on three routines this weekend, Anton called this year’s series “magical”.

Co-judge Motsi Mabuse described the series as “one of the most exciting ever” and felt that all the finalists brought “something so unique to the competition”. She continued: “It’s been a joy to watch them grow. They really raised the bar this year. Heading to the final, it’s going to be a tough decision because each finalist brings magic to the dance floor. It’ll be a celebration of their talent and hard work and I can’t wait to see what they all deliver on Saturday night.”

Actress Amanda Abbington has reportedly turned down a huge TV opportunity following her time on Strictly Come Dancing as she ‘couldn’t face trolling again’

Amanda Abbington “couldn’t face” appearing on another huge TV show following her time on Strictly Come Dancing.

The actress, 50, took part in the BBC dance competition last year, yet pulled out of the series early. She was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice and later claimed she suffered PTSD following her stint on the show. Amanda made 17 complaints to the BBC about Giovanni and accused him of “cruel and mean” behaviour.

He refuted the claims but a BBC investigation found he had breached its anti-bullying and harassment policy in six of Amanda’s complaints. Since her time on Strictly, Amanda has returned to the stage yet hasn’t taken part in any TV projects. She was reportedly approached by bosses to take part in the next series of Celebrity Big Brother.

However, Amanda didn’t feel ready to make a return to the spotlight in such a way. “Amanda decided to discreetly turn down the offer because she felt so traumatised by the last reality TV contest she was on,” a source told the Sun. “She couldn’t face going through all the trolling that she received when she complained about Giovanni which made her feel like public enemy number one.

Amanda appeared on Strictly last year ( 
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PA)

She has reportedly turned down Celebrity Big Brother ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images)

“Of course, the fee for taking part would have been appreciated but she just couldn’t face it.” They added that she will be tuning in to watch the show instead of being part of it. Celebrity Big Brother returned to our screens earlier this year, with a dozen famous faces forced to live together for a total of 19 days.

The celebrity housemates included presenter Fern Britton, music manager Louis Walsh and former X Factor co-star Sharon Osbourne, Coronation Street actor Colson Smith and even Princess of Wales ‘ uncle Gary Goldsmith. However, it was David Potts, who first appeared on TV screens as head rep on Ibiza Weekender who won the series.

ITV have recently confirmed the show will be back on screens next year. While no date has confirmed for the show’s return, one name tipped to feature is Tommy Fury, who was linked with an appearance on I’m A Celebrity but dropped out last minute. Fans have also shared their wishes for who they want to see take up residence in the house including Kaleb Cooper, Danny Dyer, Eamonn Holmes, Joe Locke and Amelia Dimoldenberg.

The BBC went on to apologise to Amanda, who claimed she was subjected to a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”. Responding to the findings at the time, Amanda admitted that despite the vile abuse she had received, she had “never regretted coming forward” and that the apology was a “vindication” of her complaint. She went on to reveal she had been invited to meet with senior management at the BBC, which is something she is considering.

Giovanni was axed from the show as the allegations were looked into by BBC. He later said he needed a “break” following the BBC investigation upholding complaints, yet earlier this month spoke of a potential return. The dancer appeared on the How To Be Famous podcast and said: “As I said before, you never know what is going to be next. Strictly, like every other of those jobs when you have to give your life 100 per cent – they are quite tiring you know? When I said I need a break, I need a break, but never say never?”

The Mirror has contacted Amanda’s representative for comment.

The Masked Singer is set to return early next year as Davina McCall debuts a totally different look while Love Island host Maya Jama joins the panel with Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan

Here’s the first glimpse of Maya Jama as she joins the line-up of The Masked Singer – alongside a blonde-haired Davina McCall.

The Love Island host replaces Rita Ora on the panel which also comprises long-term favourites Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan, plus host Joel Dommett. Davina, normally a brunette, is recovering well from her recent brain surgery and made her first public trip out last week.

The ITV series, which returns in the New Year with a new batch of famous faces under the impenetrable costumes, was recorded many months before Davina’s tumour was discovered. Her short blonde hair is, in fact, a wig. Last week Davina, 57, made her first public appearance since her operation as she attended a charity event at All Saints Church, Fulham to support her neurosurgeon Kevin O’Neill and the Brain Tumour Research Campaign.

Maya Jama will replace Rita Ora ( 
Image:
ITV)

Davina looks totally different with her blonde hair ( 
Image:
ITV)
In a speech she said: “I know lots of you here are on your own brain tumour journey and many of you have lost loved ones- I lost my sister to a brain tumour in 2012 and my ex father in law a year ago.”

The Masked Singer is said to have reached 37million viewers since it launched in January 2020, and this year’s cast will follow in the footsteps of the many big names who have already appeared including Dionne Warwick, Richie Sambora, Michael Owen, Daisy May Cooper, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Sue Perkins, Glenn Hoddle, Pat Cash, Lorraine Kelly, Jason Manford, Jake Shears, Sir Lenny Henry and Joss Stone.

Under the format, the famous faces sing while in disguise and then offer clues about themselves as he panel tries to worth out who is behind each mask. When it was announced that Maya was joining the show in September, she said: “I’m such a Masked Singer fan, so joining the panel alongside Davina, Jonathan, and Mo is going to be so much fun.

Joel Dommett will return as host ( 
Image:
ITV)“I can’t wait to figure out who’s underneath all those incredible costumes, vibe to their performances, and get front-row seats to the unmaskings.” Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning at ITV said: “The Masked Singer is back and promises to kick off 2025 with a bang. TV’s favourite guessing game welcomes the sensational Maya Jama who will be joining our expert detectives, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan all alongside Joel Dommett. We can’t wait.”

Earlier this year, Rita revealed she is working on a new album and heading out on tour. She told The Sun in July: “I’m definitely touring with this new record that I’m going to put out next year. I wanted to change it up. All the festivals I’ve been doing this summer have been so much fun. Getting to perform live is my favourite part. I hate the studio. I love seeing the crowd and I really connect with the energy. The tour is the only reason I put music out.”

Comedian will earn up to £1million thanks to his triumph with Dianne Buswell – and they’ve solved Strictly’s image crisis in the process

As he lifted the Strictly glitterball on Saturday night, Chris McCausland quipped he’d feared being sent home in week one – despite knowing no celebs actually leave in the opening show.

But after 13 weeks of wowing the viewers he is now laughing all the way to the bank as TV execs vye to sign him up in acting and presenting roles – and tickets to his UK gigs are selling out fast. Experts reckon the comedian – whose stand-up tour is entitled Yonks in reference to how long he’s been doing it – could cash in on his success to the tune of £1million, after the voting public fell in love with him.

Chris, 47, is also credited with bringing Strictly back from the brink, after it was mired in controversy ahead of this series following complaints about abusive behaviour from former contestants. PR guru Mark Borkowski said the comedian had done the series a huge favour – and that it worked both ways.

Chris proved to be a hugely popular winner both with viewers at home and in the studio ( 
Image:
PA)
“Chris is the unlikely saviour of Strictly after a pre-season turmoil,” he explained. “His authenticity and humour have given the show a shot of much-needed credibility and warmth, reminding everyone why they fell in love with the format in the first place. He hasn’t just danced his way to the bank, he’s carried Strictly there with him, turning a potentially disastrous series into a glittering, headline-grabbing redemption arc. Beyond the glitterball, Chris is perfectly poised to cash in; TV deals, brand partnerships and a refreshed comedy tour that will likely sell out faster than you can say ‘paso doble’.”

Chris has already doubled his tour in length, adding 100 dates due to “phenomenal demand” as his star soared at the end of October. Borkowski believes his time on Strictly “transcends disability and rewrites what representation can look like” on mainstream TV.

“As a blind comedian, he’s shattered expectations and delivered a victory that feels both groundbreaking and natural, proving talent and charisma are what truly captivate an audience,” he added. “If the industry loves anything, it’s a story like his: heart, humour and a big win. Strictly just polished his star into prime-time gold.”

Channel 4 and Sky will be the first to benefit from Chris’s newfound star status, having already recorded shows which air over the festive period. This Sunday he will appear in Sky’s Christmas comedy caper Bad Tidings alongside Lee Mack. In it, they play warring neighbours who fall out over some Christmas lights but have to join forces to save the day during a power cut – with Chris’s blindness becoming a useful superpower. And Channel 4 has already filmed Chris as a panellist on its Big Fat Quiz of the Year, hosted by Jimmy Carr.

Yesterday the dad-of-one and his pro partner Dianne Buswell – who gave themselves the team-name Winning Isn’t Everything – issued a heartfelt thank you to the viewers who took them to triumph in the 20th anniversary series of Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking with emotion just after the show ended, Chris said: “Thank you to everyone, this is just beyond words. It’s just remarkable. It’s taking all my energy to not cry again.”

Chris and Dianne were overcome with emotion as they realised they had actualy won ( 
Image:
BBC)
Dianne, whose Aussie parents were in the audience to witness their daughter’s first victory, added: “This was a dream and the dream has come true. It’s the best feeling in the world. I’m just so proud.” Head judge Shirley Ballas quickly shut down those moaning that Chris was not as strong a dancer as the other finalists JB Gill, Sarah Hadland and Tasha Ghouri – all of whom looked genuinely thrilled by his win on the night.

Sending her congratulations on social media, Shirley told the pair: “I’m in awe of you. You are two truly extraordinary human beings and I am so very grateful to have crossed paths with both of you. Judging you each week has been a privilege. Walk out this ballroom with your heads held high. You are true inspirations.”

Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse agreed, posting: “Over the past 20 years, Strictly has shown us that it’s so much more than just dancing—it’s about the power of transformation, the courage to step outside your comfort zone, and the magic of hard work and dedication paying off. Chris’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first steps to mastering those breathtaking routines, he’s shown us what is possible when you give it your all. It hasn’t just been about the steps—it’s been about the resilience, the growth, and the sheer joy of embracing something completely new.”

Collecting the trophy on Saturday, Chris dedicated it to Dianne, 35, who joined the show in 2017. “I know no-one goes out in the first week but I thought I still could,” he laughed. “This is for her, and it’s for everyone out there who has been told that they couldn’t do something, or thought they couldn’t do something. It just shows that with the right opportunity, and support, and determination – anything can happen.” Dianne insisted: “Chris says this is for me but it’s not for me, it’s for both of us. Chris and I did this together.”

Even Craig Revel-Horwood showed his softer side during the final – which many viewers branded “the best ever”. He wrote a moving poem for the comedian, which ended with the lines: “A heart that dances pure and free, is worth much more than a ten from me, you’re a light that shines for all to see.” One fan said in response: “That poem was possibly the nicest thing I’ve ever seen Craig do on Strictly.”

Chris’s wife Patricia was also in the audience to cheer him through on Saturday night, sitting next to Lee Mack. On her enjoyment, as she followed the series from their home in Liverpool alongside their daughter Sophie, 11, Chris explained: “This show completely consumes both your professional life and your personal life. My wife didn’t watch Strictly but friends did and so it’s been really nice for her to have those friends alongside her throughout the whole process and kind of induct her into what Strictly is. It’s been beautiful in that respect.”

It has been four months since Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury shocked fans with news of their break up – but now fans are hoping they could be getting back together

Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have sparked reunion hopes after spending an afternoon with their toddler daughter.

Love Island fans watched the 25-year-old couple fall for each other on the ITV show back in 2019 – and then followed their romance through social media updates that included the happy news of the arrival of their daughter Bambi in January last year followed by an engagement. Fans were then stunned in August this year when the couple announced they were ending their relationship after five years.

Now there is speculation that the couple could be reconciling after they were spotted together for the first time since the shock news of their break-up. The pair were causally dressed as they took Bambi to a soft play centre in Cheshire on Saturday.

Molly-Mae sported a pair of loose grey jogging bottoms and wrapped up in a puffy coat as she took to the streets in chilly weather conditions. While Tommy wore a simple black tracksuit and a puffy coat of his own.

Molly-Mae later shared an adorable video clip of herself relaxing with Bambi at home ( 
Image:
Instagram)

She also shared an amusing note from Bambi’s nursery ( 
Image:
Instagram)

The doting dad carried Bambi in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other – while the pair walked separately, but looked in good spirits.

Photographs obtained by the MailOnline showed the couple together with their daughter in the weak winter sunshine. They report that they spent time at the soft play centre before leaving and driving off in separate Mercedes cars.

Later that day, Molly-Mae took to social media to share an adorable photograph of herself spending quality time with her daughter. She uploaded a snap of them together with their blonde hair tied up in buns and wearing opposite colours – with the Love Island star wearing a dark top while Bambi sported a white outfit. Sharing the image on her Instagram Stories, Molly-Mae wrote: “Two chilled, lazy, messy bun haired girls.”

Earlier, she had amused fans by sharing a note from Bambi’s nursery teacher which seemingly quoted something the young girl had said while in nursery. With a string of laughing emojis, Molly-Mae typed: “Thank you for brushing my hair and always making sure I have my lip balm on. She’s definitely my daughter.”

Molly-Mae devastated fans in August when she announced: “Never in a million years did I think I’d ever have to write this. After five years of being together I never imagined our story would end, especially not this way. I am extremely upset to announce that mine and Tommy’s relationship has come to an end.

“I will forever be grateful for the most important thing to me now and always, my beautiful daughter. Without us there would be no her, she will always be my priority.”