Chris McCausland to make Strictly Come Dancing return with Dianne Buswell

Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland will reprise their BAFTA Award-winning waltz on the launch show of Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer, who recently announced that she and former co-star Joe Sugg are expecting their first baby, will team up with her partner from last year once again, after he emerged victorious from the show as the first blind contestant in the programme's history.

The dance in question, which is set to You'll Never Walk Alone from the musical Carousel, was performed just weeks into the competition last year, and it went on to be named the BAFTA TV Memorable Moment Award.

Pictures show the couple executing the dance all over again for the pre-recorded launch show, which is set to air this weekend. Viewers will discover who celebrities such as Love Island's Dani Dyer, Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis will be paired up with for the latest series of the BBC favourite.

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The routine will be performed between the announcements of the 15 couples, and then viewers can expect to see some group numbers take place as well. What's more, judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton DuBeke are also thought to be taking to the floor themselves to show off their own fancy footwork.

Pop star Jessie J will also be on hand to give a performance of one of her songs, and Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back in their usual hosting slots.

The winning couple’s “blackout” dance, which went viral on social media, saw him place his hands over her eyes as the room faded to black, mimicking his everyday experience.

When the lights returned, the comedian was spinning around with Dianne on his shoulders as pyrotechnics flared in the background.

On stage at the BAFTAs, which Chris was unable to attend, she gushed: “In one minute and 30 seconds of a dance, I feel like this told such a story. A story of hope, determination, resilience and vulnerability. This moment meant so much to the both of us, so I’m just so thrilled that we have this.”

Chris wasn't there for his big moment and explained why. He was thrilled to take home the trophy - and teased that the pair could fall out if they both don't get one! Taking to Instagram, he told his followers why he was absent and couldn't accept the BAFTA.

He said in a video: "We only went and won a BAFTA! I'm very proud of her representing the two of us. Her speech was amazing. I'm actually in Warrington, I've had two shows here today, and these are the shows I cancelled to do Strictly.... I couldn't exactly cancel a second time to go to the BAFTAs, could I?

"And to be honest, I thought Gavin & Stacey could win! Thank you so much for voting. I just hope we get two of them, or me and Dianne are going to fall out trying to share that thing, aren't we!" The clip, filmed in the theatre, ended with cheers from the team.

The moment won over scenes that aired on The Traitors, Rivals, Bridgerton, Gavin and Stacey and Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Strictly is normally up for the Best Entertainment Programme but has been snubbed this year for the first time ever in the show's history.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday for its launch show.

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