BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say 'give them the Glitterball' as 'perfect partnership' announced

Strictly Come Dancing fans were quick to predict their winner as the new series kicked off on BBC One on Saturday night.

Fifteen new celebritie contestants are being partnered up with their professional dancers in tonight's pre-recorded show as the 22nd series gets underway. And one particular partnership has already got people taking.

Comedian Chris McCausland is the first ever blind contestant to take part in the dance show. The 47-year-old lost his sight as a result of retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disease that causes gradual degeneration of the retina.

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Fans were quick to share their delight at Chris's participation in the show but they were even more excited at the news that the Liverpool-born TV star, who has appeared on panel shows such as Have I Got News For You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and QI, will be dancing with professional dancer Dianne Buswell.

The public are already backing the couple, with plenty of people taking to social media platform X to share their views, with some predicting the two will go far.

"Just give the glitterball to Chris McCausland NOW," one viewer said. "What a joyous contestant." Another added: "Dianne and Chris are going to be such a highlight of this series." A third said: "Chris needs to win this. One winner and its not even started. Come on."

A fourth commented: "Chris and dianne are already an iconic partnership i can’t wait for them," and another wrote: "Chris and dianne seem like such a perfect partnership."

Some predicted the comedian would go far in the competition, with one likening him to a previous winner. "Why do I have a good feeling Chris McCausland is going