Strictly host Tess Daly breaks silence after after awkward Chris McCausland 'blunder'

Tess Daly has taken to social media following the Strictly Come Dancing final after her on-air blunder which quickly became a talking point on social media.

The host returned to the iconic ballroom for the last time this year on Saturday night (December 14), joined by her co-presenter Claudia Winkleman.

They were there to ensure the smooth execution of the grand finale, which saw Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell crowned as winners. They triumphed over Miranda's Sarah Hadland and partner Vito Coppola, Love Island's Tasha Ghouri and dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, and JLS star JB Gill and partner Lauren Oakley.

After months of gruelling competition, Chris was lauded for his three performances comprising the couple's favourite dance, their final show dance, and the routine most appreciated by the judges.

Craig Revel Horwood admitted his "eyes opened" after witnessing Chris and Dianne's rehearsal in the studio, and he penned a Christmas card to the comedian, hailing him as a "light that shines for all to see", reports the Manchester Evening News.

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Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell won Strictly Come Dancing 2024 (Image: PA)

Head judge Shirley Ballas stood up to embrace Buswell, praising her as an "amazing teacher", while Motsi Mabuse declared Chris not only an inspiration for the blind community but also "a role model for each and every one of us".

Chris garnered his first ever flawless score of 40 points with a touching waltz to "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Gerry and the Pacemakers, delighting fans with his ultimate performance of the series. His next number mixed various dance styles set to New Radicals' "You Get What You Give", featuring a memorable recreation of his famous "blackout moment" from an earlier dance.

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For their couple's choice routine to John Lennon's "Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)", McCausland enacted a dramatic blackout sequence, covering Buswell's eyes as the room dimmed before plunging into darkness, then bursting back into light accompanied by dazzling pyrotechnics.

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Tess Daly congratulated the winning pair on Instagram (Image: Tess Daly Instagram)

However, after their opening act, host Tess was caught in a minor on-air slip, quickly noticed by eagle-eyed Strictly viewers. One social media user captured the hiccup: "Tess, you had one job #StrictlyComeDancing #StrictlyFinal."

In agreement, another viewer remarked: "Oh Tess, you had one job! ! ! ! #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly." A third person commented on the mix-up: "Not Tess saying "We can't see...we can't WAIT to see your show dance" #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly #strictlyfinal."

And someone else expressed frustration with: "Oh ffs. Tess Daly: Chris McCausland, we can't see.. uh uh we can't wait to see... #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing."

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Viewers picked up on Tess' blunder (Image: PA)

Tess couldn't contain her excitement as she immediately took to Instagram following the grand finale, sharing a photo with Claudia Winkleman, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell. She gushed: "The biggest congratulations to our INCREDIBLE winners @chrismccauslandcomedy @diannebuswell SO well deserved."

She continued to express her admiration, saying: "I am absolutely in AWE of what they have achieved and in love with them both. Thank you so much for watching.

"We could not do this show without you being along for the ride. In my humble opinion that was the greatest final we have done in 20 years of the show. Thank you so much for being a part of it."

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

Strictly host Tess Daly breaks silence after after awkward Chris McCausland 'blunder'

Strictly host Tess Daly breaks silence after after awkward Chris McCausland 'blunder'

Strictly host Tess Daly breaks silence after after awkward Chris McCausland 'blunder'

Strictly host Tess Daly breaks silence after after awkward Chris McCausland 'blunder'

Strictly host Tess Daly breaks silence after after awkward Chris McCausland 'blunder'