Comedian Chris McCausland has hit back at critics who claim he isn’t worthy of reaching the Strictly Come Dancing finale.

The 47-year-old comedian, who is partnered with professional dancer Dianne Buswell, 35, continues to defy expectations on the BBC dancing series.

The pair are now competing alongside celebrities Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill, Sarah Hadland and Pete Wicks for a chance at the Glitterball Trophy.

Despite receiving overwhelming support from many viewers stunned by his impressive performances, McCausland admits he has faced both dance-related criticism and disability-focused trolling during his time on the show.

McCausland addressed two distinct types of criticism he’s encountered on the show.

“There are people who believe this is purely a dance competition and get angry when anybody survives a week above somebody they think is better,” he told Metro.

McCausland has become a fan-favourite on the 2024’s Strictly

BBC

“I think Pete has suffered a bit of that and so have I but if it was purely a dance competition give it to Tasha at the beginning – she’s phenomenal,” he revealed.

The 47-year-old said he had also faced more troubling comments targeting his disability, with trolls using “out of fashion” language from the 1980’s.

McCausland remains unfazed by the negativity. “It doesn’t bother me. I really don’t give a s***. It’s people who are angry because someone is better than they are, so I don’t give a f***,” he stated.

Despite the criticism, McCausland and Buswell have received an overwhelming outpouring of support from viewers.

McCausland has taken a definitive stance against trolls

BBC

“It’s been overwhelming incredible and beautiful. It’s been part of what has made me feel like a success,” McCausland shared.

McCausland emphasised his goal of positive representation: “I wanted to be able to represent not just people who are blind but people with a disability in a positive way that was look what is possible rather than what is not.”

The impact has extended beyond the disabled community, with many viewers finding inspiration in his message about challenging oneself and overcoming fears.

McCausland revealed he initially turned down Strictly several times due to fear and uncertainty.

“I didn’t think it was something I could do and wondered if it was a box ticking exercise and if I was a sacrificial lamb,” he explained.

He eventually agreed to participate, joking that he “has no willpower.”

The decision has proved transformative, with McCausland now potentially heading towards the final stages of the competition.

“We are so focused every week on getting through every single dance and the week ahead,” Buswell explained, noting they haven’t discussed winning.

For McCausland, success has already been achieved through consistency and challenging preconceptions.

“We had done what I wanted to do and everything else then became a bonus. I didn’t think we’d get to Blackpool and every week is an extra bonus,” he shared.

The pair will hope to continue impressing fans and the judge’s with two routines this weekend. They will dance Charleston to When You’re Smiling by The Blue Vipers Of Brooklyn and a Viennese Waltz to Nothing Else Matters by Metallica.