Chris McCausland 'falling apart' ahead of Strictly performance

'Strictly Come Dancing's Chris McCausland is "falling apart" ahead of Saturday’s (12.10.24) show.

The 47-year-old comedian - who has become a fan favourite on the show - has found rehearsals with professional partner Dianne Buswell tough this week after being struck down with a bad cold.

In a joint Instagram video with Dianne, Chris said: "I’ve had a cold. I’m falling apart, but I’m motoring on because I’m a soldier. But we’re getting through the dance with the song, all the way through, occasionally better than where it was yesterday."

Dianne quipped: "Before I even arrived here [for training] you messaged me: 'Oh Di. My throat, my nose, my wrist, my big toe…’"

And Chris - who is the show's first blind contestant - replied: "I was being considerate. I was just to let you know I’ve got a bug. My throat’s a bit sore, my nose is bunged up, just letting you know in case you want to wear a helmet."

The pair will perform a salsa on this week's show and Chris admitted it is tricky due to the number of lifts.

Speaking on 'It Takes Two', he said: "It’s been intense. There has been more lifts in it than Canary Wharf. There’s tricks and lifts – we’re both covered in bruises. Dianne’s had to use make-up to cover up all over her legs so it doesn’t look like I’ve been beating her up."

Speaking previously about how working with Chris is different to any celebrity she’s taught in the past, Dianne said: "I can’t show him what something needs to look like.

"I’ve found Chris places his hand on my body and feels how my arms and my legs are moving and then he instantly gets an idea of what he should be doing."

Chris said: "She is really patient and bringing the best out of me."