Strictly Come Dancing legend Shirley Ballas offered her views on how this year’s dancers stacked up against previous competitors and referred to two “raw beginners”
Shirley Ballas has expressed her admiration for Strictly favourite and “raw” beginner Chris McCausland in a single word. During an episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing, the Strictly Come Dancing judge shared her thoughts on how this year’s celebrity dancers compared to previous contestants.
Shirley said: “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. 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.” She 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.”
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In the semi-final, Chris and his dance partner, Dianne Buswell, earned their place in the final after performing a Charleston to The Blue Vipers Of Brooklyn’s ‘When You’re Smiling’, as well as a Viennese waltz to Metallica’s ‘Nothing Else Matters’. They later released a 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 achievement, in a hidden mic moment, the chemistry between the pair was undeniable.
The BBC’s X page captured several touching moments, including Dianne embracing Chris after their performance and expressing: “I’m so proud of you… So proud of you.” Chris, overwhelmed by emotion, described himself as an “emotional wreck” and expressed his gratitude towards his dance partner.
Dianne has promised that they will “promise to do what we do every week” for the upcoming final. Pete, from The Only Way Is Essex, was the last celebrity to be eliminated before the final, with his dance partner Jowita Przystal, following the public vote.
In a heartfelt conversation 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!”.
Anticipation is mounting for the grand finale this weekend, where the four remaining couples will each perform three dances – a personal favourite, one chosen by the judges, and a show-stopping dance.
Be sure to tune into the Strictly Come Dancing final on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday, December 14, at 6pm.
