Strictly's Chris McCausland leaves fans 'amazed' and Shirley Ballas 'teary'

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left in awe of comedian Chris McCausland, as he became the first blind contestant to take to the dance floor with professional partner Dianne Buswell

Strictly Come Dancing's Chris McCausland sparked an overwhelming reaction from viewers and brought judge Shirley Ballas close to tears with his stunning performance on Saturday night. As the programme's first blind contestnat, Chris left the audience in awe during his cha cha routine alongside pro dancer Dianne Buswell.

Performing to The Beatles' classic Twist and Shout, he executed a series of intricate moves, including a bold sequence where he swung Dianne between his legs - a manoeuvre that even veteran dancer Anton Du Beke admits to avoiding.

Fans were quick to express their astonishment on social media, with one enthused viewer posting: "Chris McCausland on Strictly tonight - one of the most amazing dances ever! How a blind person can do what he did was unbelievable! ".

Another comment read: "So glad I saw Chris McCausland's stand up before he was on Strictly because he's going to blow up now" while a third supporter shared: "Chris and Dianne! ! What a team so so proud of my team. The way Dianne's taught Chris all of this and really played to his strengths is soooo beautiful! ! What a special bond they have! ! I am so so excited to see what more they bring every week.", reports the Mirror.

Shirley Ballas confessed, teary-eyed, to the emotional impact of the performance: "When I saw the street lights at the beginning, I really didn't know what to expect. You had lifts just to take her between your legs, you have to time that, it's hard enough as it is! You had great skills when it came to listening to your partner."

"Technique... it's week one. Everybody has to get a little bit stronger in the technique. But that was, for me, actually I'm quite shocked and very emotional. Fabulous."

Anton Du Beke, meanwhile, confessed: "It's one of the most extraordinary things I've ever seen in my entire life. That thing at the end where you twirl her around under your legs, I've tried that I don't want to go anywhere near that step! Just brilliant."

Strictly Come Dancing has once again ignited the dance floor with an electrifying launch show for its 2024 season. During the all-important week one, celebrities and their professional partners join forces on the dance floor, each vying for their initial position on the leaderboard with a debut performance.

While judges will offer feedback and dish out scores, no celebrity will face elimination this inaugural week. It's week two when the competition truly intensifies, and the first dance-off will culminate with one celeb saying their final goodbyes.

Viewers can start casting votes when phone lines open on Saturday, September 28, and the series' first departure will unfold during the Sunday night episode on September 29. All the excitement kicks off at 7pm on BBC One tonight, but fans won't be treated to a results show this weekend.

Leading the pack in the betting stakes are Shayne Ward, triumphant X Factor victor, and JLS heartthrob JB Gill. But according to former Strictly pro Erin Boag, 'Miranda' sensation Sarah Hadland should not be underestimated as she too is tipped as a fierce contender.