BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Chris McCausland responds to 'popular vote' claims after 'low expectations'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Chris McCausland has responded to claims he's winning the 'popular vote' after it was confirmed he'd made it to another week in Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 series.

The comedian has been hailed for his latest performance alongside professional dance partner Dianne Buswell. They returned to the ballroom on Saturday night (November 9) where they performed their couple’s choice routine to Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon.

They closed the latest live show with the impressive jazz-inspired performance featuring a "poignant" blackout moment, imitating Chris' own experience with blindness, with him since saying it was to put viewers in the dark and be surprised by what they saw afterwards. READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans demand Shirley Ballas change after dance-off horror for Shayne Ward The stunning performance received rapturous applause from the audience and a score of 33 out of a possible 40 points from the judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.

Craig said the "poignant blackout moment" was "absolutely spectacular" while head judge Shirley was left emotional and as she gathered herself and told Chris: "You come out every week with your heart on your sleeve, and you give us 100%." It was later confirmed during Sunday night's (November 10) results show that Chris and Dianne had made it through to week nine of the BBC One dance contest, which just so happens to be Strictly's annual Blackpool special and will see the eight remaining couples perform live in the iconic Tower Ballroom.