The cast and crew of Strictly Come Dancing were in high spirits on Saturday night as comedian Chris McCausland was crowned the winner of the 2024 season after 13 exhausting weeks

The cast and crew of Strictly Come Dancing shared hugs, kisses and celebrations as the 2024 season came to an end with Chris McCausland scooping the glitterball trophy.

The 47-year-old comedian triumphed alongside professional dancer Dianne Buswell, 35 – as they saw off competition from JLS singer JB Gill and his dance partner Lauren Oakley, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and her dance partner Aljaž Škorjanec, and actress Sarah Hadland and her dance partner Vito Coppola. On Saturday night, judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood watched on with pride as Chris and Dianne won the show.

Asked by show host Tess Daly how it felt to win, Chris tearfully declared: “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. 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.”

Chiming in, a triumphant and tearful Dianne told him it was “for both of them”, screaming: “We did it!” And after the show finished airing, the cast and crew were all finally free to let down their hair. Taking to social media, head judge Shirley shared a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes images from the night.

Asked by show host Tess Daly how it felt to win, Chris tearfully declared: “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. 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.”

Chiming in, a triumphant and tearful Dianne told him it was “for both of them”, screaming: “We did it!” And after the show finished airing, the cast and crew were all finally free to let down their hair. Taking to social media, head judge Shirley shared a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes images from the night.

One snap showed her hugging Italian dance professional Vito who pulled her in close and smiled happily as they hugged to celebrate the end of the season. Another snap showed Shirl snuggled up with Vito’s partner Sarah on the floor of the Strictly dance set.

Shirley made sure to catch up with Aljaž and Tasha too – with snaps showing her looking straight into the eyes of the hunky Slovenian dancer as they put their hands on each other, and another snap showing her holding hands with Love Island babe Tash. Singer JB couldn’t resist a beaming smile as he pulled in Shirls for an affectionate cuddle – while Lauren looked thrilled to have a catch up with the judge in another behind-the-scenes snap. Lauren, of course, took over from Amy Dowden who was forced to drop out of the show after the first six weeks due to injury.

But Amy was back at the Strictly studios on Saturday night to watch the final – and shared a snap of herself with the winners at the show. She wrote: “My bestie @diannebuswell and my talented friend, who works so hard but is so loyal, caring, everything a girl needs! Every few days would always check in, always stayed true to herself. Gosh you did such an incredible and inspiring job! @chrismccauslandcomedy in utter awe of you! Congratulations champs!”

Shirley and Aljaž Škorjanec madesure they made eye contact ( 
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Instagram)

Shirley took the hand of Love Island star Tasha Ghouri ( 
Image:
Instagram)In a lengthy message alongside the snaps that she shared, Shirley wrote: “Your @bbcstrictly Champions 2024 … @chrismccauslandcomedy and @diannebuswell. Huge congratulations to you both. 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.”

She continued: “Thank you each and every one of you for tuning in and voting. We hoped you enjoyed the show as much as we did. A huge congratulations to @jbgill @laurenmayoakley @tashaghouri @aljazskorjanec @hadderstime @vitocoppola for your outstanding commitment to our show. Walk out this ballroom with your heads held high. You are true inspirations. congratulations also to everyone who danced for us this year. You were all wonderful and it has been a blast.”

And she added: “I am forever grateful to be a part of a show that brings joy to millions of living rooms across the country. To all who work on and off the camera, thank you for putting on the best show on television. Thank you to you all for tuning in. I love you all. Have a beautiful Christmas. Hugs.”

Singer JB Gill was very excited to see Shirley following the season conclusion ( 
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The head judge caught up with dancer Lauren Oakley ( 
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Meanwhile, former show professional Kevin Clifton took to social media to share his own joy at watching Chris win. He wrote on Instagram: “Absolutely sobbing… Well done @chrismccauslandcomedy @diannebuswell im so proud of you! What you have achieved is nothing short of sensational. You deserve this sis!!! Also, for about 13 yrs ive heard people say and read articles saying @bbcstrictly is done. And yet, they delivered magic AGAIN. And those people were wrong AGAIN.”

Hilariously, his partner Stacey Dooley, who he won the show with in 2018, declared she was leaving Kevin in favour of Chris. She wrote: “Baby, IM LEAVING YOU FOR CHRIS. He’s knockout and I LOVE HIM.” Showering praise on Dianne, she added: “Lady Di, WADDA gal!” Her comment provoked a flood of crying-with-laughter emojis in response – although one fan wrote back to her to say: “get in the queue lol.”

Show judge Motsi also captured some charming moments after the final – snapping Dianne with members of her family as they celebrated their win. Motsi wrote alongside snaps on Instagram: “Wow, what an absolutely unforgettable night! Huge congratulations to @chrismccauslandcomedy , @diannebuswell , and the entire Strictly family on an incredible journey and an inspiring victory. 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.”

Motsi Mabuse shared triumphant scenes from the finale ( 
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Instagram)

Dianne Buswell received welcome hugs after her win ( 
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Instagram)
“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.”

She added: “A massive congratulations as well to the other incredible finalists @jbgill @tashaghouri @hadderstime who made this season one to remember. Each of you brought something special to the dance floor, capturing our hearts with your passion, determination, and unique stories. You’ve shown us the true spirit of Strictly—a celebration of individuality, perseverance, and the joy of dance.”

“This season has reminded us why Strictly is so special. In just 12 weeks, it has changed lives, brought people together, and inspired millions to chase their dreams. Chris and Dianne’s partnership was the perfect example of the magic that happens when passion, talent, and commitment come together.”

And she typed: “Here’s to 20 years of Strictly changing lives and creating moments we will never forget. To Chris, Dianne, and all the finalists—you’ve inspired us to dance like nobody’s watching. What a celebration of life, love, and the transformative power of dance. Thank you, Strictly, for making the world sparkle just a little bit brighter.”