Strictly Come Dancing champion Chris McCausland is reportedly in talks for a major deal with the BBC, following his triumphant win on the dance floor on Saturday 14 December. The comedian, who was partnered with Dianne Buswell and became the show's first blind contestant, never once faced the dreaded dance-off and left viewers, judges, and fellow contestants in awe of his talent. A TV insider has suggested that Chris' traditional sense of humour resonated with viewers at home, something they believe is missing from other BBC comedy shows. If the rumours are true, Chris could be the breath of fresh air the corporation needs to revitalise its comedy line-up.
The source told The Sun: "What he did by keeping everyone in fits during the course of Strictly was show that he wasn't just funny, but proved he had a traditional sense of humour that can connect with the ordinary viewers at home. That's something which critics have said is lacking from many comedy series on the Beeb, and Chris could breathe new life into a genre which was once a mainstay for the corporation." They also hinted that Chris might be involved in general entertainment shows, possibly reuniting with his professional partner Dianne due to their undeniable chemistry. The BBC would not comment on the speculation to OK!
After his stunning 13-week run, during which he charmed the audience, he's now laughing all the way to the bank as television bosses compete to snatch him up for both acting and presenting gigs. Moreover, tickets to his gigs across the UK are selling out, reports the Mirror.
Industry insiders estimate that the comedian, who affectionately titled his stand-up tour 'Yonks' in a nod to his lengthy career, is on track to bank a cool £1million thanks to his newfound popularity from the voting public. Additionally, he's been hailed as the knight in shining armour for Strictly Come Dancing, hailed for pulling it back from the edge after the show was previously caught up in controversy.
PR expert Mark Borkowski lavished praise on the comic, pointing out the mutual benefits: "Chris is the unlikely saviour of Strictly after a pre-season turmoil," he confessed to The Mirror. He continued, "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."
Wrapping up, Mark observed, "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 expanded his tour with an extra 100 dates, responding to a "phenomenal demand" after his profile rocketed in late October. Borkowski commented on how his participation in Strictly has "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 said. "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."
Chris is already set to delight television audiences with shows for Channel 4 and Sky, that are expected to boost their ratings thanks to his heightened celebrity status. Viewers can catch him from Sunday 22 December in Sky's festive flick Bad Tidings, acting beside Lee Mack as feuding neighbours who band together amid a blackout - where Chris's blindness plays into the plot as a sort of superpower. He also brings his wit to Channel 4’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year as a panellist in an episode hosted by Jimmy Carr.
Chris, a proud dad-of-one, and his dance partner Dianne, collectively known as 'Winning Isn't Everything', were visibly moved as they expressed their gratitude to fans following their incredible victory in Strictly Come Dancing’s 20th series. An emotional Chris shared right after the finale: "Thank you to everyone, this is just beyond words. It's just remarkable. It's taking all my energy to not cry again."
