Chris McCausland won Strictly Come Dancing tonight in a display of joy and positivity that put the allegations of bullying that have dogged the show firmly to bed.

The comedian - the show's first blind contestant - and dance partner Dianne Buswell lifted the glitterball trophy after winning the viewers' vote.

He was clearly emotional as the results were announced, tearfully shaking as he grasped Buswell tightly. He said:  'It's astonishing, I don't know what to say. I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two and I know no-one went out in the first week but I thought I still could.'

Turning to his partner the comic said: 'She has got so much out of me, and she deserves this so much... This is for her and everybody out there that got told they couldn't do something or thought they couldn't do it.

'It just shows that with opportunity and support and determination, anything can happen.'

Buswell said the award was for 'both of us', adding: 'Without you, I couldn't do this.'

This has to be the happiest Strictly Finale of all time. All 6 of the other finalist jumping for joy when Chris and Diane won! Just. Pure. JOY! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/Du6lNqStRJ

— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) December 14, 2024

The pair performed three dances in the final, seen by an estimated 8million viewers, to triumph over fellow finalists Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill and Sarah Hadland.

For their final dance, they waltzed to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers, the anthem of Liverpool FC - and closed the competition by scoring their only perfect 40 from the judges.

Afterwards, judge Motsi Mabuse said: 'I’m not the only one crying now, you’re a role model for all of us, not just the blind community, showing us everything is possible if you keep pushing.'

 Anton Du Beke said McCausland was 'an exceptional man and changing people’s lives', while Craig Revel Horwood wrote him a poem that began 'in a world of darkness you've learned to dance and slay', and referring him to a 'light that shines for all to see'. Even though he lived up to his reputation as the harshest judge over the course of the series, he came out from behind the desk to give both dancers a cuddle.

Earlier, following the couple's showdance to New Radicals’ You Get What You Give, head judge Shirley Ballas said: 'Things don’t need to be perfect to be special, you’ve broken new ground across the whole series, confident and intricate, I applaud you both.'

And Du Beke called him 'the most extraordinary person we’ve ever had on Strictly'.

Earlier still they reprised their week 8 dance to Instant Karma (We All Shine On) by John Lennon, prompting Du Beke to gush: 'just wow, embellishments, extraordinary musicality, I’d give it 12 if I could.' Mabuse added: 'I’m a mess because of you, I said I wouldn’t cry, you bring the joy.'

Supporters in the audience included Lee Mack, who stars alongside McCausland in the Sky Christmas film Bad Tidings.

Ruth Jones appeared in character as Gavin & Stacey's Nessa, to plug the sitcom's return for its last ever episode on Christmas Day, including an exclusive preview of footage from the show.

McCausland's victory has been widely hailed. 

Kerry Bevan of sight-loss charity, Guide Dogs UK, said: 'Chris McCausland’s victory on Strictly Come Dancing is not only a personal triumph, but also a landmark moment for everyone in the visually impaired community. There are no barriers to creativity and determination, nor to success on the dancefloor, and Chris’s crowning moment of his journey to the summit proves this.

'Chris has given the public an insight into what it means to have a vision impairment and how people with sight loss can dream big and pursue their ambitions fearlessly. 

'Dianne has been a shining example of how we can all take steps to make the world a more inclusive and accessible place.

'The image of Chris holding the glittering trophy aloft is a powerful statement about representation, breaking down barriers, and opening new doors in entertainment and beyond.'