As the Strictly final approaches, the stars battling it out to win this year's series have proven there's no bad blood between them, as they are spotted hugging ahead of this weekend's nail-biting dance off.
From 15 original couples, the number has been whittled down to just two opponents. Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell will take on JB Gill and his new partner Lauren Oakley, after Amy Dowden was forced to drop out due to health reasons.
And the four of them can be seen enjoying each other's company as they head in to rehearse for the climax of the series. Chris and his rival's partner Lauren can be seen walking together, with Chris sweetly putting his arm around her, while Dianne beams on the other side of him.
Chris has floored fans this season, with the comedian, who is registered blind, skilfully pulling off any routine that is put to him by choreographer and partner Dianne. Meanwhile, JB has been put through his paces by not one but two professional dancers, having to adapt to a new partner part way through the show.
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JAMES CURLEY)Despite the final performances yet to take place, viewers reckon they already know who will win, with Chris appearing to be the fan favourite to take home the coveted Glitterball Trophy. Over the last three and a half months, Chris has wowed viewers at home, not only with his dancing but with his determination.
The 47-year-old spoke about his time on the 20th anniversary series, saying it felt like much longer at times. Speaking this week, he said: "It’s the maddest experience of time in that the training days, they drag, because it’s just relentless. But the Saturdays come around so fast. Usually when you do something like this you say, hasn’t the time flown? But I can’t remember my life before Strictly. It literally feels like this is all I’ve ever done."
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JAMES CURLEY)Chris also revealed how he had previously declined to do the show because of anxiety, but now thinks it has changed him. He added: "The fear was immense - it was terrifying. I like a challenge, I like new things, but I need to know that I can do good and represent myself, and other people, well. And there was a huge doubt about that."
He admitted he was persuaded to give it a go, discovering that he had more resilience than he ever realised. Chris added: "It’s been exhausting and the scariest thing I’ve ever done but it’s certainly been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done and the thing that’s going to have the most lasting effect on me in terms of my outlook on the world and on life."
Commenting on BBC bosses partnering him with Dianne, he said: "They knew what they were doing. They knew Dianne would be the best partner for me in terms of her humour, her outlook, the similarities between us, her communication. They knew how good we’d be together."
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