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.”