For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Chris McCausland, one of the celebrity contestants in this year's BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing. Issue date: Tuesday September 10, 2024. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ray Burmiston/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.

Strictly's Chris McCausland and Jamie Borthwick's secret connection before BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing stars Chris McCausland and Jamie Borthwick have been battling it out on the dance floor in recent weeks, but it seems they share a connection away from the BBC ballroom

by · NottinghamshireLive

It seems two Strictly stars share more than just their dance prowess. Comedian Chris McCausland, 47, has made significant progress since his debut on Strictly Come Dancing, scoring an impressive 30 points last week for his Jive to Wayne's World with professional partner Dianne Buswell.

This is a substantial seven-point increase from week one, placing him joint fourth on the leaderboard alongside several pairs, including Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas. Since then, Chris and Jamie, 30, have been perfecting their routines as the show introduced a new theme: Icons Week.

But did you know there's a link between the two contestants that predates their time in the ballroom?

According to Jamie's IMDB page, he began his acting career on a well-known comedy series before landing his iconic role as Jay Brown in BBC's EastEnders. In 2006, he featured in two episodes of the first season of the highly acclaimed Not Going Out - starring Lee Mack, Sally Bretton, Katy Wix, and Hugh Dennis.

Jamie had minor, uncredited roles, playing 'Agressive Boy' in the 'Aussie' episode and 'Young Chav' two episodes later in 'Kid'. That same year, he joined the soaps where he has appeared in over 1,300 EastEnders episodes, and is also credited for roles in Gina's Laughing Gear and 'Celebrate' Oliver!, reports Birmingham Live.

Known for his sharp wit and frequent TV panel appearances, Chris initially kick-started his showbiz career with a handful of acting roles. While Jamie was engrossed in filming Not Going Out, Chris secured the role of Rudi in the children's programme Me Too!

Intriguingly, he also made a guest appearance in Not Going Out last year, portraying the character Martin.

A look at Chris' acting portfolio reveals a one-off role in Eastenders in 2018 as Carl, suggesting that Chris and Jamie could have easily had their first dance off at a lock-in at the Queen Vic... Tonight, Chris is poised to spice things up with a Salsa to Down Under by Men at Work, while Jamie will be performing the same style dance to Danza Kuduro by Don Omar and Lucenzo. So, the competition is certainly hotting up; may the best Not Going Out star win....