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.
この記事は The Guardian の December 16, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は The Guardian の December 16, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
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