Strictly Come Dancing Star Chris McCausland Claps Back at Lord Alan Sugar for Labeling His Act a ‘Gimmick’
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Chris McCausland has responded to criticism from Alan Sugar after the Apprentice boss appeared to dismiss his recent dance performance as a “gimmick.” McCausland, a 47-year-old comedian and the show’s first blind contestant, wowed the audience with a salsa performance to “Down Under” by Men at Work alongside his professional partner Dianne Buswell on Saturday night.
The routine featured a series of impressive lifts that garnered praise from both the Strictly judges and fans watching at home. Head judge Shirley Ballas was left speechless, commending McCausland on his flawless execution despite his visual impairment.
However, Sugar took to Twitter to express his less-than-impressed opinion of the performances on the show, suggesting that Strictly Come Dancing might be running out of genuine contestants and resorting to gimmicks. Fans interpreted this as a jab at McCausland, prompting a backlash in support of the comedian.
McCausland defended himself against Sugar’s remarks, sarcastically acknowledging the suggestion that his blindness was merely a gimmick. Supporters rallied around McCausland, applauding his authenticity and talent on the dance floor.
The incident comes on the heels of criticism from eliminated Strictly star Toyah Willcox, who jokingly advised remaining contestants to eliminate McCausland if they wanted to avoid a dance-off. McCausland, however, praised Willcox for her support and kind words throughout their time together on the show.
Following the judges’ scores, McCausland soared to the top half of the leaderboard with a total of 30 points, further solidifying his presence as a strong contender on the dance competition. Fans lauded both Buswell and McCausland for their remarkable performance and resilience in the face of criticism.
As the conversation around McCausland’s talent and the importance of inclusivity in dance continues, it is evident that his impact reaches far beyond the dance floor.