“Strictly Come Dancing” has seen many iconic moments over the years, but one of the most memorable moments from recent episodes involved Chris McCausland, the popular comedian and contestant, as he humorously admitted to having told a white lie to one of the show’s most well-known judges, Craig Revel Horwood. This playful interaction between the two revealed a lighter side to the often intense world of competitive dance, as McCausland confessed to “buttering up” Horwood with a compliment about his new album, all while jokingly claiming it would be a “Christmas hit.”
Here's ads banner inside a post
McCausland’s revelation has sparked an outpouring of amusement from fans of the show, who have always known Craig Revel Horwood as one of the more critical and no-nonsense judges. With his sharply honed critiques, Horwood often brings a unique edge to the judging panel, providing feedback that can either make or break a contestant’s performance on the show. However, in this instance, Chris McCausland’s admission that he had lied to Horwood about his album created a funny and charming moment of levity, adding a layer of warmth to the often intense scrutiny that contestants face on the dance floor.
Here's ads banner inside a post
A Comedian’s Strategy to Handle Horwood’s Tough Critique
It all started during a recent episode when McCausland, in the midst of the usual stressful pre-performance jitters, decided to take a lighthearted approach to Horwood’s traditionally stern and often condescending critiques. As part of the routine on “Strictly,” the judges provide not just scores, but detailed feedback on the dancers’ performances. Craig, known for his sharp eye and direct comments, is often one of the most critical judges, making contestants feel both nervous and excited to receive his judgment.
McCausland, realizing that a typical exchange with Horwood might leave him feeling a bit too raw, came up with a quick plan. In a bid to ease the impending tension, he complimented Craig on his new album, even calling it “brilliant” and predicting that it would become a “Christmas hit.” It was an incredibly cheeky move, considering that McCausland hadn’t actually listened to the album in question.
Here's ads banner inside a post
In a light-hearted moment during an appearance on the Staying Relevant podcast, Chris McCausland shared the behind-the-scenes story. When questioned by fellow contestant Pete Wicks about whether he had actually listened to Horwood’s album, McCausland candidly admitted: “Have I f**k.” The truth behind his compliment was now out in the open, leaving listeners to enjoy the honesty of the comedian. Despite this confession, McCausland’s gesture of complimenting Horwood worked to disarm the judge temporarily, ensuring that his upcoming critique was less biting than usual.
The Mixed Reactions of Craig Revel Horwood
For Craig Revel Horwood, McCausland’s compliment, though unearned, seemed to hit the mark. He responded positively to the kind words, clearly flattered by the praise. However, as expected from the veteran judge, Horwood didn’t shy away from giving McCausland a critique of his performance. Despite the humor of the moment, the judge was still direct with his feedback. McCausland’s Paso Doble performance, though solid, had noticeable errors, according to Horwood’s sharp eye. Horwood’s critiques were his usual blend of honest observations, pointing out some technical flaws, yet still managing to praise the routine as “wonderful” and “solid.”
However, McCausland’s score from Horwood was a modest seven out of ten, the lowest score among the panel of judges. The relatively low score seemed to be the standard for McCausland throughout the competition, but despite this, the comedian’s charm, humor, and persistence earned him the affection of viewers and fellow contestants alike. The audience seemed to embrace McCausland’s playful nature and genuine approach to the show, even if his scores weren’t always as high as some of his competitors.
The Humor of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Behind the Scenes
Chris McCausland’s antics provide a perfect example of the humor and camaraderie that exists behind the scenes of a competition like “Strictly Come Dancing.” While the show is known for its glitz, glamour, and nail-biting moments, it is also a place for contestants to form bonds with their partners, judges, and fellow participants. McCausland, who has been through numerous ups and downs on the show, has managed to keep the atmosphere light and positive with his infectious sense of humor.
Although his performances have not been perfect by Horwood’s standards, McCausland’s playful attitude has helped him win over both the judges and the audience. His ability to navigate the tough world of dance with humor and grace has proven that there is more to “Strictly Come Dancing” than just technical ability. McCausland’s journey also represents the diversity that the show prides itself on, showcasing someone with a disability succeeding in an environment traditionally dominated by able-bodied contestants. His presence on the show has inspired countless fans, particularly in the blind and disabled community, who see his participation as a significant milestone in promoting inclusion and representation.
Chris McCausland: From Comedian to Dance Competitor
Before joining “Strictly,” McCausland was already an accomplished comedian known for his sharp wit and observational humor. His ability to make light of his blindness has made him a fan favorite, as he often jokes about the challenges he faces while navigating the world. His decision to join “Strictly” was not initially on his radar. In an interview, McCausland admitted that he initially turned down the offer to be a part of the show. However, after giving it some thought, he decided that competing would be an important opportunity to represent the blind community on a national stage. This decision marked a turning point in his career, as he showed that, despite any limitations, he was determined to take on challenges and push boundaries in the world of dance.
Now, as McCausland progresses through the competition, reaching the semi-finals, he is undoubtedly proud of how far he has come. His journey on “Strictly” has not only been about improving his dancing skills but also about breaking down barriers and demonstrating that anyone, regardless of physical challenges, can excel in areas previously thought to be off-limits. Together with his dance partner, Dianne Buswell, McCausland has become one of the most beloved figures in the competition. Their chemistry and mutual support have been key to their success, and their performances have delighted audiences week after week.
What’s Next for Chris McCausland?
As “Strictly Come Dancing” heads toward its thrilling finale, McCausland finds himself competing alongside other talented contestants like Pete Wicks, Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill, and Sarah Hadland for the coveted Glitterball trophy. While his chances of winning remain uncertain, one thing is clear: McCausland has won the hearts of the public. His unwavering humor, humility, and determination have made him one of the most memorable contestants in “Strictly” history.
For McCausland, the journey has been about much more than just the dances and the scores. It has been an opportunity to show the world that his disability does not define him and that with the right attitude and support, anyone can take on the world, no matter how daunting it may seem. As he heads into the semi-finals, Chris McCausland has already proven that he is more than just a comedian or a contestant—he is a trailblazer and a true inspiration to many.
