Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland as they won Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing champion Chris McCausland has opened up about his thoughts on competitor Tasha Ghouri following his historic victory, where he took home the Glitterball trophy. The Liverpudlian comedian became the first blind winner in the show’s two-decade run as he triumphed over fellow finalists Sarah Hadland, the Miranda actress, Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, and JLS member JB Gill, on December 14.

Partnered with Dianne Buswell, Chris quickly became a favourite to win due to his standout performances, compelling backstory, and quick wit. Despite some viewers arguing that Tasha and her dance partner Aljaž Škorjane should have won for technical prowess, Chris gave his opinion on their abilities during an interview with Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks on the Staying Relevant podcast.

Discussing Strictly’s dual nature as both a dance contest and an entertainment spectacle, Chris was clear about his own dancing skills relative to Tasha’s. Pete acknowledged the split perception: “I think that’s the big divisive thing with Strictly, because some people see it as a dance competition, which is based on who’s technically the best and all the rest of it.

“Then everyone else sees it as like an entertainment show. And you’ve been by far the most entertaining one, you’re obviously a really good dancer which you’ve shown in the past 10, 11 weeks but, let’s be honest, you’re not Tasha.”

Chris concurred with the podcast host’s view, remarking that if Strictly were just a dance contest for the top performer, “it would have been one week long” because Tasha would have taken the crown easily. Chris said: “She’s brilliant. I have nothing against her but she probably hasn’t improved. But that’s the good thing about it. People vote for whatever show they think it is,”, reports Lancs Live.

He encouraged viewers to “Vote for Tasha if you think it’s about the best dancer, vote for Sarah if you think it’s about a combination of being an incredible dancer and also having a bit of a journey.

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjane (Image: BBC)

“Vote for me and you if you like the underdog.” The grand finale broke records as the highest-scoring ever, seeing all couples performing three dances each.

Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman then heralded Chris as the Glitterball trophy champion. During the episode, Judge Anton Du Beke was especially taken with 26-year-old model and dancer Tasha, whom he labelled as the “best ever dancer” to grace the show.

Chris McCausland’s victory in Strictly followed a year marred by controversy concerning the BBC programme, where former contestants aired grievances over the supposed lack of care regarding allegations of rehearsal bullying. As a response, the show has implemented several welfare provisions, including chaperones during rehearsal sessions.