By Jessica Sansome

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Chris McCausland has been flooded with comments from his former Strictly Come Dancing co-stars as he sent the new contestants a cheeky message. The comedian, who was Strictly’s first-ever blind contestant, and his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell were crowned the BBC One dance show’s champions back in December 2024. There were emotional scenes when Chris made history by taking home the glitterball trophy and that wasn’t all he and Dianne have won in the year since their Strictly debut. The reigning Strictly champions won the memorable moment award at the Bafta Television Awards 2025, which is voted for by the public. The winning Strictly couple’s Waltz to the Liverpool anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone was the performance that earned them the nomination. The magical performance, which they recreated during the final of the 20th anniversary series in December, saw Dianne leave the ballroom floor so her partner could dance on his own before she returned to spinning in his arms moments later in tear-jerking scenes. Chris and Dianne have now made a special comeback by returning to Strictly’s iconic dancefloor, as it is tradition that the previous year’s winners perform during the launch show, with the 2025 edition filmed last week. The launch of the 23rd series will air on Saturday (September 20), with 15 new celebrities set to make their debut on the dance floor, before finding out their professional partners for the first time. But while back at Elstree Studios filming his final dance with Dianne in Strictly’s famous ballroom, Chris couldn’t help but be a little bit cheeky. In a new video shared to his Instagram page, Chris is seen in his Strictly outfit as he said to the camera: “I’m just in Elstree Studios where they are filming the launch episode of the new series. Di and I are meant to be doing one of our dances together. “But in other news I’ve decided I’m not giving this back. I’ve worked too hard for this and earned it fair and square. So do you know what class of 2025, enjoy dancing for nothing.” The official Strictly account to the comments and said: “Not cool Chris,” to which Chris joked: “Make another one.” Dianne quipped: “I have an idea I’ll win it again and give it back.” Strictly pro Karen Hauer said: “Glitterball custody battle incoming.” Katya Jones replied: “I think you SHOULD keep it! I won’t complain. In fact, I’d give you my one as well!” Jowita Przystal shared: “Hahah once a champ always a champ.” And fans were quick to back him. @jessica_smith.99 said: “Ahhaha yes Chris!! You deserve to keep it 100%.” @ellen_garvey laughed: “Run away with it Chris!! It’s yours fair and square!!” @bexwithanx101 replied: “Don’t blame you Chris, you tell em.” @lesleyost added: “The season you had with Dianne was unforgettable. So I say keep it.” @marym3107 added: “Totally agree Strictly you can make another one…they worked so hard for that.” Chris and Dianne will perform on the launch episode of the BBC One dance contest’s 2025 run on Saturday (September 20), which will also reveal which professional dancers the 15 celebrity contestants will be paired with in this year’s competition. New pictures have been released ahead of their on-screen reunion, marking the first time Dianne has been seen since she announced she is pregnant with her and her boyfriend Joe Sugg’s first child. Taking to Instagram, the couple, who met on Strictly in 2018 when they were paired together and made it to the final, could be seen in a clip standing behind a wooden easel and paint, with the clip set to the Elton John track, Tiny Dancer. The playful clip then sees the couple painting, before the turn the canvas around to reveal three stick figures – one of Dianne, one of Joe and a baby in the middle of them. Alongside the post, originally shared by Joe, he wrote: “Our little baby boy [heart emoji]. We cannot wait to meet you.”