Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to TV screens this autumn for another sequin-adorned, star-studded show.
With the famous names set to to showcase their dance moves on the BBC’s 22nd series of the hit show already announced, eagle-eyed fans have already spotted a clue to one particular pairing.
Chris McCausland is one of 15 celebrities set to strut their stuff on the next series.
The British comedian and actor, who has appeared in shows including Eastenders and Have I Got News for You, will be the show’s first blind contestant.
The Liverpudlian lost his sight when he was 22 to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa.
He hopes to follow in the footsteps of actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, the show’s first deaf contestant, who won in 2021.
Chris will make a bid for the Glitterball Trophy prize, alongside other celebrity contestants showcasing their fancy footwork, including TOWIE’s Pete Wicks and singer Toya Wilcox.
However while their professional dance partners are yet to be officially announced, eagle-eyed fans believe they already know who Chris’s pro partner will be.
The comedian posted on X, formerly Twitter to say: “Today I film my #strictly dance partner reveal. Neither of us know who we’ve got until the moment we meet on camera.”
“I hope they are all at home right now practising their unwanted Christmas present faces or this might be awkward.”
The following day he posted: “All paired up and ready to go!”
When one fan predicted he will be paired up with Lauren Oakley, savvy fans spotted he was quick to quip: “If it was, we’d have to do some Black Sabbath,” in reference to the rock band headed up by Ozzy Osbourne.
One fan clarified his comment by saying: “Lauren’s from Birmingham, like Ozzy (Osbourne).”
After his comments fans also noted how Laurent kept quiet on social media that day, refraining from posting anything.
Many fans took to Reddit to say how much they loved him: “He is my favourite already,” said one, while another said: “I hope his partner is delighted. I would be! He’s so charming.”
Another said: “I think Chris and Lauren are a great match. I am now super exited to see them together.”
Birmingham-born Lauren started dancing at two years old and began competing soon after.
Crowned Under 21 British National Champion, she previously worked as Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke’s leading lady on the show’s national tours, before joining the pro team in 2023.
She said at the time: “I’ve grown up watching Strictly, always hoping that one day I could be part of the best show on television, doing what I love the most.”
“Now that it’s happening, it doesn’t quite seem real. I can’t wait to start this new sequinned adventure and join this incredible family.”
The official pairings are yet to be announced, with the show set to return to screens this September.
