Strictly Come Dancing 2024 winners revealed in history-making final-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 is over after a special final (Picture: Guy Levy/PA Wire)

The results are in – the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 winning pair has been revealed in a history-making episode.

After 13 weeks, the celebrities remaining were Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley, and Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec. Together they became the highest-scoring final ever with a combined total of 472 out of a possible 480.

But there could only be one champion of the BBC series – and it was Chris and Dianne who lifted the glitterball trophy. He also created show history as not only the first blind contestant, but now the first blind winner.

After a busy night filled with incredible routines – some even deemed perfect – hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman said their names.

Asked what it means to win Chris said: ‘It’s astonishing. I don’t know what to say.

‘I honestly thought I could go out in the first week or two, I know nobody went out on week one but I thought I could. She’s [Dianne] got so much out of me. She deserves this so much. She’s positivity, and she’s one of the easiest people to be funny with.

‘Unless she changes her number she’s stuck with me. This is for her, and for everyone who was told they couldn’t do something. Opportunity, support and determination anything can happen.’

Chris and Dianne were ecstatic (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

They couldn’t contain their excitement (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

When Claudia reminded Diana once said ‘winning isn’t everything’ but added ‘it feels pretty good though right?’, she responded: ‘It’s pretty cool. Chris said this is for me, but this is me and you, we did this together. This is for both of us. We worked together and we did it.’

The overwhelmed duo embraced before picking up their new sparkly trophy. While the runners-up all gathered around to congratulate them on their new impressive title. While judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse were up on their feet.

Together the four pairs made history (Picture: BBC)

Chris was the first blind contestant on Strictly (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Vito won with Ellie Leach last year (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

It was a busy night with each of the remaining couples performing three routines each – their favourite performance of the series, a judges’ pick, and an epic show dance to demonstrate just how much they’ve learnt.

The show began with a lively opening dance to Dreamer by Livin’ Joy, and fans were ecstatic to see Amy Dowden back on the floor. She was originally partnered with JB, but needed to exit the contest after obtaining an injury.

JB and Lauren got a perfect 40 (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Tasha was the highest-scoring contestant of Strictly 2024(PIcture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

The evening then fully commenced with the judges selecting a dance for each of them to perform. Rather than leaving them to their own devices, the judges popped up in to give them top tips.

Performing first, JB, 38, and Lauren, 33, were asked to bring back their Viennese Waltz to Let’s Go Fly A Kite from Mary Poppins. They got things off to a flying start (see what we did there) with a score of 40 for their elegant Ballroom routine. It was a huge celebration as it was Craig’s 100th 10, he even came up to Clauditorium for a mini-party to mark the moment.

However, the judges’ scores were only for guidance in the final and the winners’ decision was placed entirely in the hands of the voting public.

It was then 26 year-old Tasha’s turn, who danced the Couple’s Choice to What About Us by P!nk with Aljaž. ‘Best dancer ever on Strictly,’ Anton remarked in response.

Taking to the floor next were Chris, 47, and Dianne, 35, to Couple’s Choice to Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) by John Lennon. The dance included a special moment where the studio lights went off, and when the darkness was over Chris had Dianne lifted above his head. Motsi was overcome with emotion after watching, and joked the ‘300 hours of makeup’ was now ruined.

Finally, the wait was over for Sarah, 53, and Vito, 32, who got to do their American Smooth to Proud by Heather Small again. There was a little bit of drama as Vito’s trousers split but ever the professional, he continued on and then Sarah used her dress to help cover the material rip.

With the public vote then officially opened, it was time for the Show Dances. JB spoke about his new love of dance before getting funky to a Motown Medley. Changing the vibe, Tasha and Aljaž took inspiration from Fred and Ginger while dancing to Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman. She was then surprised by her brother Alex, who flew in from Australia to see her dance live. The tears were flowing during the reunion as they shared a big hug.

JB and Lauren were an incredible team (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

They were inspired by old Hollywood (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Chris brought pure joy with his You Get What You Give by New Radicals Show Dance. In the VT, they spoke about the special relationship that’s formed between them over the months.

‘I can’t imagine him not being there now. He’s a friend I never knew I needed in my life,’ Dianne said through tears.

Chris also said he hopes that his participation can ‘change attitudes’ to people who are deaf, or have disabilities. He also shared that his 11-year-old daughter Sophie was initially fearful about him taking part, but is now proud.

Chris and Dianne were pure joy (Picture: BBC)

Dianne and Chris have formed a special bond (Picture: Guy Levy/PA Wire)

Chris concluded: ‘I’ve learnt that I’m more resilient and things don’t have to be perfect to be a success.’ It was then Shirley’s turn to get teary while speaking about Chris’ ability to inspire.

Sarah kept the bar high as she did a routine set to Cabaret by Metropole Orkest. She remarked her life is going to be in ‘black and white’ after the ‘technicolour’ Strictly. ‘Nothing is ever going to be as exciting again,’ she summarised. While speaking to Claudia, Strictly superfan Sarah become emotional as she spoke about how grateful she was to be in the final.

For their final and favourite performances, JB danced his Samba to Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes, before Tasha American Smooth to Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi. Closing the Strictly chapter made Tasha very emotional, and she wasn’t alone with many of the past contestants also wiping their eyes.

While both pairs barely put a step out of place, JB making X Factor fans happy by recreating his ‘Merry Christmas’ meme in the Claudiatorium was undoubtedly a highlight.

Chris and Dianne got emotional (Picture: BBC)

Meanwhile Chris did a Waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers. As they sat and discussed their journey in the VT, they both broke down in tears. Dianne didn’t stop when they were on the floor, and spent their last few steps sobbing. Chris joined her, and said: ‘We’re both a mess’ as they waited to hear the judges’ thoughts.

Motsi praised Chris for being an inspiration not just to the deaf community, but to everyone. Shirley then gave Dianne a cuddle for being a ‘special person’, and the camera panned to Dianne’s parents also feeling emotional. The domino effect continued with Anton needing to take a moment.

Craig then did something out of character and read a poem he’d written for Chris, it began: ‘In a world of darkness, you’ve learnt to dance and slay,’ before joking: ‘You’ve taught the world anything can be done as long as you don’t stick out your bum.’

‘A heart that dances pure and free is worth much more than a 10 from me. Chris, you’re a light that shines for all to see,’ he ended.

Almost the whole cast returned for the final (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

To bring things to a close, Sarah did her Cha Cha to Like A Prayer by Madonna once again. Both Motsi and Anton agreed it’s the best final they’d ever had, and called it ‘unforgettable’. The four couples also made history as the highest-scoring final ever.

While they waited for the verdict, RAYE put on an incredible performance, and the whole cast returned to the dance floor for one last routine. The gifts kept giving when Ruth Jones appeared as her Gavin and Stacey character Nessa to read the terms and conditions of voting, before a trailer for the upcoming Christmas special was provided.

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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