Strictly’s Chris McCausland reveals innovative way his professional partner Dianne Buswell teaches him the routine

Chris McCausland has revealed the innovative way his Strictly Come Dancing partner Dianne Buswell teaches him the routine. 

The comedian, 47, who is the first blind contestant to take part in the hit BBC show, said he feels like a ‘bendy Spiderman’ in rehearsals as he figures out the steps. 

Chris admitted that Diane initially ‘didn’t have a clue’ how to teach him choreography with the pair trying many different methods. 

Appearing on The Graham Norton Show on Friday, he explained: ‘When we started, we didn’t have a clue how we would do it so decided to wing it and see what happens. I had never been taught to dance and Dianne had never taught anyone that couldn’t see.

‘She sometimes describes what needs doing, sometimes I have to get on my hands and knees and figure out what she is doing with her legs and feet, and sometimes she picks a part of me and put it where she wants it.’ 

The comedian, 47, who is the first blind contestant to take part in the hit BBC show, said he feels like a ‘bendy Spiderman’ in rehearsals as he figures out the steps

He added: ‘I’m like a bendy Spiderman! But whatever it is we are doing it is working.’

Reflecting on their performance last weekend Chris said: ‘Being at Blackpool was wonderful – it’s like the Wembley of ballroom dancing. 

‘I’m actually surprised I’m still in it. It was perfect and I celebrated like I’d won the FA cup!’ 

Chris has revealed he won’t be taking part in the upcoming Strictly tour due to a clash with his own comedy tour. 

The comedian has left BBC bosses with a big headache as he is the bookies’ favourite to win the show. 

In Blackpool last Saturday, Chris and his partner Dianne achieved a staggering 37 out of 40 points from the judges after their American Smooth.

The Strictly live tour first launched in January 2009 with 2008 winner Tom Chambers among the line-up. Every winner since has taken part. 

But his stand-up show, Yonks, has dates throughout January and February which clash directly with Strictly’s live theatre show. 

Chris admitted that Diane initially ‘didn’t have a clue’ how to teach him choreography with the pair trying many different methods

Appearing on The Graham Norton Show on Friday, he explained: ‘When we started, we didn’t have a clue how we would do it so decided to wing it and see what happens’

Last month, 100 extra dates were added to his tour, which runs from January 2025 to April 2026. 

The Yonks tour was postponed due to Chris’ participation with Strictly and so he is adamant he won’t move the dates for a second time. 

Speaking on The Graham Norton show, he added: ‘With all the TV work I’ve being doing over the last five years people think I’ve come from nowhere but I’ve being doing stand up for 20 years. 

‘I love it and it’s opened all these doors to other amazing things and now those things are feeding the stand up. 

‘It’s a beautiful little circle. I love all this other stuff but I’m looking forward to getting back out on the road and doing something I am confident at.’

The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, Friday 22nd November 10.40pm. Also available on BBC iPlayer.