Chris McCausland, Dianne Buswell’s former Strictly Come Dancing partner, has admitted he felt “a bit gutted” after not receiving top billing in a recent highlight segment that instead featured Joe Sugg. The Australian-born professional dancer, 36, recently reflected on her nine-year journey on Strictly, marking almost a decade on one of the BBC’s most successful entertainment programmes (BBC).

Across those nine years, Dianne has reached the final twice—first with YouTuber Joe Sugg in 2018, and later with actor Bobby Brazier in 2023. She achieved her biggest career milestone in 2024 when she and comedian Chris McCausland lifted the Glitterball Trophy, an achievement widely praised by critics and hailed as one of the show’s most emotional wins (The Guardian). Their Waltz to Liverpool anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone not only earned standing ovations in the studio but went on to win BAFTA’s Most Memorable Moment Award, which Dianne said felt like “a dream come true” (BAFTA / BBC).

Despite this achievement, Chris—who made history as the programme’s first blind contestant—was not prominently featured in a retrospective video package filmed for companion show It Takes Two. Instead, the montage concluded with a segment focusing on Dianne’s former partner and now-boyfriend, Joe Sugg.

Dianne and Joe famously confirmed their romance shortly after the 2018 series wrapped, and in September they announced they were expecting their first child together, a moment widely covered by UK media (Liverpool Echo, Hello! Magazine).

Speaking about the It Takes Two feature on their joint podcast Winning Isn’t Everything, Dianne admitted: “I did a little VT a few weeks back and spoke about all my Strictly contestants, past and present… The good ones made it in the cut. But yeah, it was a little VT—and you’re a bit gutted, aren’t you?”

Chris recalled seeing the video online, explaining: “I opened Instagram, saw you on the front page, watched the video, and thought I’d leave a cheeky comment. I said, ‘I can't believe I didn't get top billing.’ It goes from talking about the Rev on your first one to Bobby Brazier, then talks about what we did—which, let’s be honest, is basically 100% of your Instagram biography—and then it goes on to Joe. What’s he done apart from getting you pregnant?”

The comedian’s tongue-in-cheek remark left Dianne momentarily believing he was genuinely upset. Chris reassured her it was in good humour, joking further that Joe “has the easiest job in the world.” Dianne clarified that producers of It Takes Two specifically requested the video end with Joe.

In the segment, Dianne lovingly referred to Chris as “my champion” while reflecting on the emotional depth of their performances. She said: “The waltz will always have a special place in my heart. He closed his eyes—I remember thinking, ‘He is loving this.’ It was powerful. When I stepped back and let him walk alone… the vulnerability on his face. Then he shifted from vulnerable to safe again. It was beautiful, so emotive. We just cuddled each other and cried.”

Many fans and critics described their partnership as one of the most meaningful the show has produced, with disability advocacy groups praising the BBC for ensuring accessibility and representation on prime-time television (The Independent). McCausland’s involvement was considered a significant step forward for televised dance competitions, prompting calls for even more inclusive casting in future seasons.

Reflecting on her journey, Dianne added: “Strictly has changed my life in more ways than one.” The dancer has long credited the show for both her career growth and her long-term relationship with Joe Sugg. “It’s mind-blowing how much has happened in nine years,” she said, “but I’m very grateful for Strictly.”

Her remarks echo earlier interviews in which she highlighted the programme’s impact on her personal and professional life, with People magazine noting that Dianne is one of the franchise’s most recognisable and beloved pros worldwide (People).

With a baby on the way and a flourishing career, Dianne continues to be a key figure in the Strictly universe—while Chris remains a fan favourite, celebrated not only for winning the Glitterball but for pushing boundaries and inspiring viewers across the UK.