PA MediaWhen comedian Chris McCausland lifted the 2024 Glitter Ball trophy on Strictly Come Dancing, it represented more of a win than reality.
For fans living with partial or complete vision loss, her nerve-wracking journey to her confident and ultimately winning performance broke barriers.
partner Blind dancer Sean Haywardfrom Manchester, said McCausland’s victory showed disabled people “dreaming big” and “fearlessly” pursuing their ambitions – and proved their inclusion was not just “tokenism”.
Hopefully the message has been received at the highest level of TV production companies.
Mr Hayward has an inherited condition, retinitis pigmentosa, the same condition as McCausland, but says dancing gives him a sense of “freedom and freedom”.
He said of this year’s Strictly winner: “It was absolutely amazing.
“He’s had a real, real journey and his story has touched people’s hearts.
“For me personally it’s great to see because I’ve been beating the drum for years and I really needed someone of Chris’s profile to raise awareness of dance for the visually impaired. .
“To a blind man that is true freedom, true freedom.”
Mr Hayward’s words echoed those of McCausland himself after the winner was crowned.
The 47-year-old dedicated her win to her professional dance partner Diane Buswell, “and to everyone out there who’s been told they can’t do something or thinks they can’t”.
“It just goes to show with opportunity and support and determination, anything can happen,” he said.
The pair beat JLS singer JB Gill, actress Sarah Hedland and former Love Islander Tasha Ghori in Saturday’s live final on BBC One.
PA MediaMr Hayward said he was concerned in the first two weeks of McCausland’s grueling journey.
However, he said the salesman had trained as a comedian and flourished to such an extent that he became a huge favorite with the bookies.
This is not just tokenism, he said.
“What we need more of when it comes to inclusion is what I and many other disabled people have been doing – incredible things over the years.
“Really highlight that in these entertainment shows, just on ordinary people, they don’t have to be celebrities.
“I think there’s an appetite nowadays to be very honest.”
‘powerful statement’
Harriet Edwards, from disability charity Sense, told BBC Breakfast: “This has been long overdue.
“We hope that production companies, TV and media can really see that the public wants to hear different stories and they want to see different experiences.”
For the charity Guide Dogs, Buswell’s support was key.
A spokesman said: “Dianne has been a shining example of how we can all take action to make the world a more inclusive and accessible place.
“The image of Chris holding aloft the glittering trophy is a powerful statement about representation, breaking down barriers and opening new doors to entertainment and beyond.”