Comic Chris McCausland has turn out to be the primary blind contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing.

The 47-year-old, who lifted the glitterball trophy with dance associate Dianne Buswell on Saturday evening, stated “something can occur” with assist and dedication.

They beat Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill.

Talking after his win, McCausland stated: “That is for [Dianne] and it is for everybody on the market that thought and obtained informed they could not do one thing.

“It simply exhibits with alternative and assist and dedication, something can occur.”

He thanked Buswell, saying: “She deserves this a lot. She’s simply truthfully one of many best folks to be humorous with – and except she alters her quantity, she’s caught with me.”

Liverpool-born McCausland – who’s registered blind – misplaced his sight utterly by the age of twenty-two as a result of retinitis pigmentosa – a hereditary eye illness which causes gradual degeneration of the retina.

Calling his triumph “astonishing,” he stated: “I truthfully thought I may exit within the first week or two, and I do know nobody went out within the first week, however I nonetheless thought I may”.

Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis turned the primary deaf contestant to win the present in 2021.

Incapacity charity Sense and the Royal Nationwide Institute of Blind Folks (RNIB) praised McCausland’s success, and for elevating the profiles of individuals residing with disabilities.

Steven Morris, who’s deafblind and the campaigns officer for the incapacity charity Sense, stated the win exhibits folks “can break down limitations many wrongly do not suppose are doable”, and stated it will “result in many extra disabled folks being included within the greatest TV exhibits”.

Debbie Miller, director of buyer recommendation and assist at RNIB, stated each McCausland and the second deaf contestant Ghouri “left an immeasurable optimistic influence”, which has “sparked so many optimistic conversations”, and highlighted “the significance of range”.

Kerry Bevan, head of abilities, data and assist at sight-loss charity Information Canine UK, known as it a “private triumph, but additionally a landmark second for everybody within the visually impaired neighborhood”.

Alison Kerry, head of communications at incapacity equality charity Scope, stated the “influence of Strictly in breaking down limitations cannot be underestimated”.

She additionally stated: “Due to Chris’s profitable efficiency, perceptions can be challenged, and extra folks can be having conversations in regards to the significance of incapacity inclusion and accessibility.”

It was the primary win for Buswell, who has made the ultimate twice earlier than.

‘Blackout moments’ and an ideal rating

After months of dancing, McCausland was praised for his three routines – which included the couple’s favorite dance, their ultimate present dance and the routine most loved by the judges.

McCausland was given his first excellent rating of 40 factors for a waltz routine to You will By no means Stroll Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers, his ultimate dance of the collection.

His second routine featured totally different dance types to You Get What You Give by New Radicals, and he additionally recreated his viral “blackout second” for the primary dance.

Within the couple’s alternative routine to On the spot Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon, McCausland positioned his palms over Buswell’s eyes because the room light to black, earlier than the ballroom went utterly darkish after which the sunshine got here again on – with pyrotechnics flaring within the background.

It has been a troublesome yr for Strictly, following an investigation into allegations of abusive behaviour and bolstered measures to “strengthen welfare and assist” on the present.

A panel present favorite, McCausland often options on comedy quiz exhibits together with Have I Obtained Information For You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and QI.

He is additionally hosted his personal self-titled present on ITV1 on Saturday mornings, and appeared as an actor in EastEnders, Not Going Out, and CBeebies present Me Too!