1 week Ago By [email protected] (Matt Davies, Daniel Windham)
Shirley Ballas, the esteemed judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has openly praised newcomer Chris McCausland, describing him as a "raw" beginner in the dance competition. While speaking on Great Company with Jamie Laing, Ballas discussed her impressions of this year's cast compared to those in previous seasons. On the topic of audience engagement and decision-making, Shirley expressed her affection for how outcomes are determined: "You know, what I love about the final the most is that the judges don't need to pick the winner, that the audience viewers at home pick the winner and I think they always get it right.
" Her confidence in the public's choice was robust: "But they do; they pick the winner that they're all comfortable with, millions and millions and millions of votes. Of course, Chris McCausland has been outstanding, as has Pete [Wicks]. Raw beginners; these are your two raw beginners that have come in, you know.
" Further commenting on the talent on display this season, Shirley continued: "They're unbelievable, but all of them, all of them from the very, very beginning, I felt, was one of the strongest casts we've ever had with Strictly Come Dancing.", reports the Express . Approaching the climax of the show, McCausland and his professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell, celebrated reaching the final after delivering a Charleston to The Blue Vipers Of Brooklyn's 'When You're Smiling' and a Viennese waltz to Metallica's 'Nothing Else Matters', making quite the impact.
Following their successful semi-final, the duo issued an exuberant statement: "We did it partner strictly 2024 FINALISTS! ! ! ! You deserve this so much. Thank you for your friendship kindness and trust doing this with you has been one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had." Following their impressive performance, an off-camera exchange between the duo was revealed.
The BBC's X page treated viewers to several behind-the-scenes moments, including one where Dianne embraces Chris post-performance and expresses: "I'm so proud of you...
So proud of you." Feeling incredibly moved, Chris described his emotional state, expressing gratitude towards his dance partner and sharing how "overwhelmed" he felt at the moment. Dianne, for her part, has committed to "promise to do what we do every week" as they head into the final.
Pete Wicks, known for his role on The Only Way Is Essex, became the last contestant to exit the competition before the upcoming finals when he and his dance pro, Jowita Przystal, received the fewest votes. In a chat with host Tess Daly, Pete reflected: "It's been wild. I've been quite honest about the fact that I didn't necessarily want to do this [Strictly] in the first place, but everyone else wanted me to do it, and I am so, so glad that I did it! ".
The excitement is palpable ahead of this weekend's grand final, with the remaining four pairs prepping themselves for the challenge of performing three separate dances each their own favourite, one chosen by the judges, and a spectacular show dance..
