PA MediaWhen comedian Chris McCausland lifted the 2024 Glitter Ball trophy on Strictly Come Dancing, it represented more than a reality contest win.
For fans living with partial or full sight loss, his journey from a nervy start to his confident and ultimately winning performances broke down barriers.
Fellow blind dancer Shaun Hayward, from Manchester, said McCausland’s triumph showed disabled people “dreaming big” and pursuing their ambitions “fearlessly” – and proved his inclusion was not merely “tokenism”.
There are hopes the message has been received at the highest levels of TV production companies.
Mr Hayward has the hereditary condition retinitis pigmentosa, the same condition as McCausland, but says dancing gives him a sense of “liberty 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 the hearts of people.
“For me personally it was great to see because I’ve been banging this drum for years and I really needed someone of Chris’s profile to raise the awareness of dancing for people with sight loss.
“For a blind person that is true liberty, real freedom.”
Mr Hayward’s words echoed those of McCausland himself after being crowned winner.
The 47-year-old dedicated his win to his professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell, “and for everyone out there who’s got told they couldn’t do something or thought they couldn’t do it”.
“It just shows with opportunity and support and determination, anything can happen,” he said.
The pair beat JLS singerJB Gill, actress Sarah Hadland and former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri in Saturday’s live final on One.
PA MediaMr Hayward said he had been concerned in the first couple of weeks of McCausland’s Strictly journey.
However, he said the salesman turned comedian had grown into the training and flourished to the point he became the overwhelming bookies favourite.
“It’s not just tokenism,” he said.
“What we need more of when it comes to inclusivity is show what guys like myself and many, many other disabled people have been doing – incredible stuff for years.
“Really shine a light on that in these entertainment shows, just on ordinary people, it doesn’t have to be a celebrity.
“I think there’s a hunger for it nowadays to be quite honest.”
‘Powerful statement’
Harriet Edwards, from the disability charity Sense, told Breakfast: “This is long overdue.
“We hope production companies, TV and media can really see the public want to hear different stories and they want to see see different experiences.”
For the charity Guide Dogs, the assistance of Buswell was key.
A spokesperson said: “Dianne has been a shining example of how we can all take steps to make the world a more inclusive and accessible place.
“The image of Chris holding the glittering trophy aloft is a powerful statement about representation, breaking down barriers and opening new doors in entertainment and beyond.”