Strictly Come Dancing 2024 finalists with the Glitterball trophy(Image: Guy Levy/PA Wire/BBC)

Strictly star Chris McCausland weighs in on Tasha Ghouri's dance experience amid backlash

by · DevonLive

Strictly Come Dancing champion Chris McCausland has candidly expressed his thoughts on co-contestant Tasha Ghouri after their intense competition for the Glitterball trophy.

The Liverpool-born comic created quite the stir on December 14, as he became the first visually impaired contestant to triumph in the show’s two-decade history, outshining fellow finalists including Miranda's Sarah Hadland, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and JLS member JB Gill.

Chris and his dynamic partner, Dianne Buswell, captured hearts from week one, securing their spot as a top contender among bookmakers due largely to his incredible routines, inspiring personal journey, and sharp wit.

Despite their popularity, some audience members voiced that perhaps it was Tasha, alongside her professional dance partner Aljaž Skorjanec, who deserved the victory, citing her superior technical skills. Addressing these remarks on Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks’s Staying Relevant podcast, Chris spoke of his own dance expertise relative to Tasha’s, and delivered his take on the former Love Island celebrity.

Tasha Ghouri and partner Aljaz(Image: BBC)

During the podcast, which was recorded prior to the final, Pete observed: "I think that's the big divisive thing with Strictly, because some people see it as a dance competition, which is based on who's technically the best and all the rest of it."

He added, insightfully, "Then, everyone else sees it as like an entertainment show. And you've been by far the most entertaining one, you're obviously a really good dancer which you've shown in the past 10, 11 weeks but let's be honest, you're not Tasha."

Chris concurred with the podcast host's views, remarking that if Strictly were purely a dance competition for top honours, it would've only been "one week long" due to Tasha's abilities. He commented, "She's brilliant. I have nothing against her, but she probably hasn't improved. But that's the good thing about it. People vote for whatever show they think it is."

Advising viewers on their voting strategy, he said, "Vote for Tasha if you think it's about the best dancer, vote for Sarah if you think it's about a combination of being an incredible dancer and also having a bit of a journey."

Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland as they won Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)

"Vote for me and you [Pete] if you like the underdog."

Setting a record, the final turned out to be the highest-scoring in history, witnessing all couples deliver three performances, before Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman revealed Chris as the victor of the coveted Glitterball trophy.

During the broadcast, judge Anton Du Beke expressed admiration for Tasha, 26, claiming she was the "best ever dancer" on the programme. McCausland's triumphant moment comes amidst a turbulent year for the BBC dance series, with prior contestants airing grievances regarding the aftercare extended to them, coupled with claims of bullying during practice sessions.

The show has responded by implementing several welfare policies, including the presence of chaperones in rehearsal areas.