A STRICTLY pro dancer has tipped a very unexpected star to win the show – saying ‘the man can dance.’
Comedian Chris McCausland, 47, appears to be the new favourite to pick up that glitterball trophy, after the odds move in his favour.
Strictly Come Dancing icon Vincent Simone has not only teased a return to the show this season, but also backed Chris for the win.
Speaking to 10bet, he discussed Chris and said: “I absolutely love Chris McCausland and Diane Buswell.
“Chris is so funny, and you can see that he brings that comedic edge to the show. I also love the fact that he looks so chilled, and you can tell that he is clearly having a ball learning the different routines and techniques. The man has got skill.”
Vincent went on: “Dancing is hard enough when you’re doing it with all five senses, so for Chris to put in the performances that we’ve seen from him so far is simply magnificent.
“I was standing up and clapping the TV when I’ve seen him – every time he dances, he gets a standing ovation from me. It’s such a joy to watch him.
“The biggest compliment I could pay him as a dancer is that I wouldn’t know about his disability from watching his performances on the show so far.
“I think the man is just spectacular. He’s so entertaining and he’s so funny – what you see is what you get with him. I hope he can keep it up and get to the final, because I really think he has a good chance of winning the competition.
“He’s my tip to win. The man can dance!”
Meanwhile Toyah Willcox is the strong even-money favourite to exit the show on Sunday evening ahead of Nick Knowles, according to the bookies.
Popular comedian Chris is the beloved BBC show’s first ever blind contestant.
In June, The Sun exclusively reported Chris’ involvement in the latest series – which was confirmed in August.
Speaking to Radio Times, however, the star addressed declining to join the show twice in the past.
Chris revealed: “I was resistant to the idea for a while.
“I said no a few times – to last year’s series and the Christmas special.
“One reason was for self-preservation. I didn’t think I could do it, because I literally couldn’t see what’s expected of me.
“And because I don’t watch it, I don’t have an attachment to the format.”
He added: “But I’d rather do something I had no knowledge of than make a show I knew everything about.
“I’m good at making comedy out of failure, but I’m going to take this seriously.”
Chris has been partnered with Australian pro dancer Dianne Buswell, who’s previously worked with Joe Sugg, Tyler West and Bobby Brazier to name a few.
And the pair’s performances so far have seemed to really impress a large number of the show’s audience.
Taking to X, one fan wrote: “This show never ceases to amaze me.
“I genuinely can’t believe what a sensational performance that was from Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell. Absolutely outstanding.”
Another penned: “Wow Chris McCausland. A very funny man and blind.
“What he has just done on Strictly is nothing short of amazing and well done Dianne.
“Incredible truly. Go Chris.”
While a third commented: “Absolutely blown away with Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell’s routine tonight.
“My favourite of the night. The best of #Strictly yet again.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
