Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell have won the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, taking home the glitterball trophy. The blind comedian and his professional partner danced to Gerry and the Pacemakers' 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Despite being the lowest-scoring couple in the final, they were bookmakers' favourites and won the public vote. McCausland said: 'It just shows with opportunity and support and determination, anything can happen.'
The first ever champion was newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky in 2004, partnered with Brendan Cole. She never scored a perfect 40 but only faced the dance-off once. Actress Jill Halfpenny won the second series later that year with Darren Bennett, becoming the first contestant to receive a maximum score for her jive. Cricketer Darren Gough triumphed in 2005 with Lilia Kopylova, despite never topping the judges' leaderboard.
Mark Ramprakash won in 2006 with Karen Hardy, restarting a routine after a microphone mishap but still achieving a perfect score in the final. Singer Alesha Dixon won in 2007 with Matthew Cutler, holding the record for the highest average score. Actor Tom Chambers won in 2008 with Camilla Dallerup, later starring in West End musicals. Sports presenter Chris Hollins won in 2009 with Ola Jordan, avoiding the dance-off throughout.
Actress Kara Tointon won in 2010 with Artem Chigvintsev, amid rumours of a relationship. McFly drummer Harry Judd won in 2011 with Aliona Vilani, scoring two perfect 40s in the final. The list includes a diverse mix of celebrities, from pop stars to sports stars, actors, comedians, and a wildlife cameraman.
