BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly speaks out as show is dealt blow after historic win

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell lifted the Glitterball trophy as Strictly's 2024 champions (Image: PA)

Tess Daly has broken her silence after the beloved BBC show was seemingly dealt a blow after the latest season finale of Strictly Come Dancing saw Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell lift the glitterball trophy.

This year, the long-term broadcaster had the pleasure of crowning the comic and his professional dance partner as this year's champs, who made history as Strictly’s first-ever visually impaired contestant.

The dynamic duo dazzled their way to glory after performing three dances alongside their fellow finalists in the grand final of the hit BBC show which hit our screens on December 14.

After a gripping competition that lasted 13, they hoisted the iconic Glitterball trophy after beating intense competition from Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley, along with Sarah Hadland and Vito Coopla in the 2024 series.

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Following the spectacle, Tess, 55, rushed to Instagram to reflect on the 20th anniversary series with co-host Claudia Winkleman, as she congratulated winners Chris and Dianne.

READ MORE: Strictly's Pete Wicks breaks silence on Maura Higgins romance after declaration

Tess Daly shared another show achievement online (Image: PA)

She penned: "The biggest congratulations to our INCREDIBLE winners @chrismccauslandcomedy @diannebuswell SO well deserved. 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."

Now, the mum-of-two has given another update on Strictly Come Dancing as she celebrated a milestone achievement, reports Manchester Evening News.

She wrote: "Thank you so much to everyone that tuned in to our Strictly final last Saturday! It had the highest audience share in our 20-year history and I think @chrismccauslandcomedy @diannebuswell really embodied the spirit of the show."

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Despite the success of the 2024 series, the popular dance programme saw a decline in its ratings for the third consecutive year. Last year. Last year, the show's viewership peaked at 9.7 million, while this year it failed to attract as many fans, peaking at 9.3 million.

The average viewership for the 2023 series was 8.8 million, but this year it dropped to 8.6 million. The 2024 series started off slowly, with the live show watched by 7.1 million fans, significantly down from 7.8 million the previous year.

Despite these changes, it was revealed at the time of its latest launch that Strictly is still the most-watched programme on Saturday nights.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly speaks out as show is dealt blow after historic win

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly speaks out as show is dealt blow after historic win

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly speaks out as show is dealt blow after historic win

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly speaks out as show is dealt blow after historic win

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly speaks out as show is dealt blow after historic win