But as Chris McCausland lifted the glitterball trophy in Saturday night's final, those fears appeared unfounded. Strong viewing figures and an overwhelmingly positive reaction to this year's lineup suggest the show has regained its place at the heart of Saturday night family entertainment.
The 47-year-old Liverpudlian comedian was the show's first blind contestant, and his humour, determination and warmth in his dancing style captured viewers' hearts from the start. With his professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell, McCausland regularly topped the public vote, if not the judge's scoreboard, in a season seen as incredibly competitive.
McCausland lost his sight completely in his early 20s due to retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disease that causes gradual degeneration of the retina. He spoke of the challenges of competing while unable to see himself in the mirror in rehearsals, or watch playbacks of his performances.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 16, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 16, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
'I'm not good enough' Guardiola takes blame after Diallo stuns City
Pep Guardiola said he is \"not good enough\" after Manchester City fell to a dramatic late derby defeat to Manchester United which extended their dire run to eight losses in 11 games.
Wolves target Pereira after sacking O'Neil as head coach
Wolves aim to make a swift appointment after the club took action in their relegation fight by sacking Gary O'Neil yesterday morning.
This Was elite football reimagined by a robot With a hangover
It was deeply fitting Amad Diallo should decide this Manchester derby, mainly because for long periods he seemed to be the only person on the pitch not playing under heavy sedation.
Diallo drives United on to deepen City's despair
When Ruben Amorim oversaw his previous victory over Manchester City - with his old club Sporting in the Champions League - it was to push the reigning Premier League champions towards crisis.
Cucurella red mars win but Jackson keeps Chelsea flying
Keeping up the pretence that this is no title challenge is becoming harder for Chelsea to maintain.
Hürzeler left incensed by referee as Palace cruise
If Michael Oliver isn't on Oliver Glasner's Christmas card list, then the Crystal Palace manager may want to get one in the post before it's too late.
Maddison and Son on target as Spurs demolish sorry Saints
As a battle of the Premier League's two most idealistic managers, it registered as a no-contest.
Celtic eye treble after Maeda holds his nerve to settle final thriller
Six goals, 10 penalties, 11 yellow cards and the unmistakable whiff of controversy.
Skittish England collapse as O'Rourke keeps Kiwis on top
There is rarely a dull moment with this England team, although there are times when their bowlers must surely crave the odd one.
Russo keeps Arsenal's revival in full swing
As Arsenal's players lapped up the full-time applause, the sound of Wham!'s Last Christmas was ringing in the air while the travelling supporters gave their hearts to their interim head coach, Renée Slegers.
