Strictly Come Dancing star Chris McCausland will team up with Channel 4 for the broadcaster’s Alternative Christmas Message.

The annual show, which has been running since 1993, serves as an alternative to the traditional festive message delivered by the Royal Family, with the content often varying in subject matter and tone.

Following on from his triumph in the 22nd season of the BBC show, McCausland has been confirmed as the latest celebrity to deliver the Alternative Message, following on from former QI host Stephen Fry.

Channel 4
Related: Strictly fans laud Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell’s latest routine as they earn first 10s

The comedian, who has previously appeared on EastEnders, will use the message to call for improvements to the government’s Access to Work grant, which covers access costs for employed disabled people.

In the message, McCausland spoke of the delays that people faced when using Access to Work, adding that the wait for funding can “strip away” the “confidence, dignity, and purpose” of disabled people.

“Disabled people are often some of the most resilient, creative and determined people you will ever likely meet,” he said. “We have to be in daily life and that makes us valuable people to have on the team. We can even win national dance competitions, just saying!”

The announcement comes just over a week after McCausland lifted the Glitterball Trophy alongside professional partner Dianne Buswell, with the comedian paying tribute to the dancer following their victory.

“It’s astonishing,” he said. “I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two. I know nobody went out in the first week but I still thought I could go. She [Dianne] has got so much out of me – she deserves this so much. She’s one of the easiest people to be funny with. This is for her and for everyone who got told they couldn’t do something.”