BBC Strictly fans beg for Chris McCausland to be paired with specific pro as he makes show history
Chris McCausland has been announced as the first Strictly Come Dancing 2024 contestant
BBC/Getty
The Strictly Come Dancing countdown has officially begun, with the first official sign-up announcements confirming comedian Chris McCausland and JLS singer JB Gill will be taking to the famous dance floor.
McCausland, 47, broke his silence on Monday following the sign-up, and it didn't take long for fans to make their thoughts clear as to who he should be partnered with.
The comedian will make history as the BBC show's first blind contestant, and following the news, the show's official Instagram account posted his picture, writing: "Swapping stand up routines for dance routines @chrismccauslandcomedy is our first #Strictly celebrity of 2024!"
He joked: "I don't dance, I haven't danced, I can't dance, I can't see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong?"
Fans of the show were excited to have the first celebrity confirmed, and the comments section was soon flooded with excitement - and one name in particular was on peoples' lips when it came to professional partners.
Several commented that Dianne Buswell, who's been in the professional line-up since 2017, should be paired with the comedian.
Buswell herself commented on the post: "Chrisssssss welcome to strictly!!!"
Before long, fans replied to her comment, including one fan who said: "Hope Chris gets you. You’d be a lovely pairing xxx."
And a second echoed this, typing to Buswell's comment: "You would be the perfect partner."
"Love him. hope he's partnered with Dianne, they'd be brilliant together," a third suggested.
Chris McCausland has been announced as the first Strictly Come Dancing 2024 contestant
Getty
Replying, another added: "Good possibility I noticed Dianne practising with a mask over her face with Vito."
Others enthused over the announcement, with another writing: "The first ever blind contestant! I knew as soon as I saw the rumours that he would be in the cast!"
"Fantastic! This is a great signing, and will help raise so much awareness," another penned.
The announcement comes at a time where the show remains under scrutiny as a BBC investigation has been looking into allegations of "misconduct".
The probe was sparked by claims made about last year's show after actress Amanda Abbington issued a complaint about her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice.
She accused him of being "abusive" and while the 33-year-old has continued to vehemently deny the claims, he has now left the show.
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Strictly fans are hoping to see Dianne Buswell dancing with Chris McCausland
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Soon after, Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the series for his alleged behaviour towards former Love Island star Zara McDermott.
He admitted to having "kicked" the 27-year-old, and the reality star went on to release a statement shedding light on her Strictly experience.