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 hit BBC show

Comedian Chris McCausland and EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick both have a connection to a popular comedy show, long before they started competing against each other on Strictly Come Dancing

by · Birmingham Live

It appears the stars share more than just their dance skills. Comedian Chris McCausland, 47, has made significant strides since his first appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, earning a remarkable 30 points last week for his Jive to Wayne's World with professional partner Dianne Buswell.

This is a massive 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 honing their routines as the show introduced a new theme: Icons Week.

But did you know there's a connection 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 securing his iconic role as Jay Brown in BBC's EastEnders. In 2006, he featured in two episodes of the first season of the highly praised Not Going Out - starring Lee Mack, Sally Bretton, Katy Wix, and Hugh Dennis.

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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!

Known for his witty remarks and appearances on TV panels, Chris initially launched his career in showbiz with a few acting roles. While Jamie was busy filming Not Going Out, Chris bagged the role of Rudi in the children's programme Me Too!

Interestingly, he also made a guest appearance in Not Going Out last year, playing the character Martin. Chris' acting portfolio reveals that he had a one-off role in Eastenders in 2018 as Carl.

This suggests that Chris and Jamie could have easily had their first dance off at a lock-in at the Queen Vic... Tonight, Chris is set to heat 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 definitely heating up; may the best Not Going Out star win....