Strictly's Craig reveals Chris McCausland's 3 advantages - and 1 dance trick he can't do

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has praised comedian and CBeebies star, Chris McCausland, who is the BBC show's first blind contestant

Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood has admitted he's been 'bowled' over' by Chris McCausland.

The comedian, 47, is the BBC show's first blind contestant and wowed fans on the dancefloor with his pro partner, Dianne Buswell when the new series kicked off two weeks ago.

When asked how she was going to teach Chris the steps to the show's intricate dances, Dianne, 35, initially admitted she 'didn't have a clue' during the series' launch show. However, the pair have been working so well together, Craig says the comic now has three advantages to win.

Speaking about the CBeebies star's debut on Strictly, he said: "He's got great rhythm, an amazing personality, and, of course, a fabulous sense of humour!" Craig also praised Chris' "directional stuff", saying he "always knew where he was".

However, despite admitting he didn't expect the star to be "quite as good as he is", Craig said Chris has one disadvantage. Speaking to Best magazine, he explained: "Dancers do a technical thing called 'spotting', which is how you work out all your turns etc. Obviously being blind he can't do that, but he must rely on extraordinary sensory perception!"

Strictly fans were left in tears after Chris' "wonderful" week two performance when he and Dianne performed the Foxtrot to Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy by The Tams.

Viewers were quick to express how much they loved the dance, with one taking to X, commenting: "In tears here after just watching #ChrisMcCausland. Amazing well done fella." Another said: "Bawling watching #StrictlyComeDancing @chrismccausland is amazing!!" A fourth said: "Chris and Dianne... Wow!!! An absolutely wonderful foxtrot. Let's forget the fact Christ is blind, he is a fabulous dancer either way! That footwork was."

Dianne explained during a VT on the show how she has been getting Chris to learn the footwork. Ahead of taking to the dance floor for the first time on the weekend, the Aussie pointed out: "I can't show him what something needs to look like."

Explaining by putting Chris' hands on her body, he can "feel" what he "should be doing", she continued: "I've found if Chris places his hand on my body and feels how my arms and my legs are moving, then he instantly gets an idea of what he should be doing."

Chris, who placed fourth on the leaderboard with Dianne after their debut dance, praised his partner, saying: "Dianne's energy never wanes. She is really patient, good fun and is bringing the best out of me." And it seems his best could be the best as many fans are already tipping the dad-of-one to waltz off with the coveted Glitterball trophy in December.

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