Strictly's Chris McCausland is 'falling apart' after catching a cold

'Strictly Come Dancing' star Chris McCausland is "falling apart" after being struck down with a cold.

The 46-year-old comedian - who is the first blind contestant to take part in the BBC talent show - has been struggling with a nasty winter bug but he's determined not to let it interfere with his training sessions with professional dance partner Dianne Buswell.

In a video posted on Instagram, 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 added: "Before I even arrived here [for training] you messaged me: 'Oh Di, my throat, my nose, my wrist, my big toe' ... "

Chris revealed he was just giving his training partner a warning about his cold, saying: "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 have been preparing to dance a salsa on 'Strictly' this weekend (12-13.10.24) and during an appearance on spin-off show 'It Takes Two' this week, Chris revealed they are both covered in bruises because the dance involves a lot of lifts.

He said: "It's been intense. There has been more lifts in it than Canary Wharf! There is tricks and lifts and we are both covered in bruises ... She's [Dianne] had to use make-up to cover up all over her legs so it doesn't look like I've been beating her up ... It has been full-on."

'Strictly Come Dancing' returns on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday October 12 from 6.20pm.