Chris McCausland feels he ‘succeeded above and beyond’ expectations on Strictly

Chris McCausland has said he and his professional partner Dianne Buswell have “succeeded above and beyond” what they expected to achieve on Strictly Come Dancing.

The 47-year-old comedian, who is the BBC show’s first blind contestant, will compete against fellow finalists Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill in the final on Saturday.

The stars will all perform three more routines each – a couple’s pick, judges’ choice and a show dance – in a bid to win the glitterball trophy.

Ahead of the final, McCausland said: “I feel like we’ve never stayed in the competition above anybody that got higher scores than us, so it feels like we’ve exceeded expectations and got here on our own merits, so we’ve succeeded above and beyond what we expected of ourselves.”

His partner Buswell agreed that they had not initially expected to reach the final, saying: “It’s the biggest surprise that we’ve made it all the way to the end. Reaching the final is the cherry on the cake.”

McCausland is the bookmakers’ favourite to win the 2024 series, which marks the show’s 20th anniversary.

Reflecting back on his journey, the comic described it as “unbelievable, surprising and emotional” and feels he has learnt a lot about himself.

“The fact that we’ve been able to do it, the fact that we’ve been able to pull this off, the fact we’ve been able to learn the dances and put on a show… It’s all surprising”, he added.

Hadland, 53, also revealed that she has learnt she is “capable of much more” and can “push” herself further than she initially thought.

The actress, who is partnered with reigning champion Vito Coppola, said the reaction she has received from other women has been “amazing”, with some becoming tearful when speaking about what it means to them.

“It’s really weird how it’s happened because I didn’t think of myself like that. Then I realise, I am 53, 20 years older than Vito, and I am doing what he’s doing,” she added.

“I hope that my just doing it has inspired people to think they can do it.”

TV personality Ghouri, who is the show’s second deaf contestant, said the experience has been the “biggest highlight” of her life.

She added that getting to compete in the final with her dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec is a “magical and amazing” achievement and a “lovely” way to finish their journey together.

JLS star Gill also agreed that making it to the final four is a career highlight for him.

The singer was initially paired with Welsh dancer Amy Dowden in the series but he swapped to Lauren Oakley in early November after Dowden had to withdraw due to an injury.

“I don’t get to do too many competitions like this, so being in the final is an incredible achievement,” he added.

“My goal has always been to get through each week but I’ve always said, if you can get to the final, it’s anyone’s to win.

“My mum’s saying is: ‘Someone has to win, so why can’t it be you?’ It’s all to play for. You have to give 120%.”

The final will also see the professional dancers join singer-songwriter Raye for a special performance while the cast of 2024 return to the dancefloor for one last routine.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Final will air live on Saturday from 6pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.