TICKLE TIME
Strictly’s Chris McCausland forced to deny touching celeb partner’s boob live on TV
There was no mention of an internal investigation as the BBC show returned at the weekend
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Chris McCausland has denied touching his pro partner Dianne Buswell's boob live on TV.
The comedian, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa—a condition that impairs vision in low-light conditions, joked he was "three inches away from being cancelled".
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The new series kicked off on Saturday as the celebs found out who they had been partnered with during a pre-recorded episode.
Chris, 47, was chuffed to be teamed up with Aussie redhead Dianne.
At the end of the show, Chris playfully tickled Dianne at the end of the group dance.
One eagle-eyed fan wrote: " Was there an unintentional boob graze at the end of the group dance?!"
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A second posted: "Love the way he tickled Diane's tummy as they finished the dance."
Dianne replied: "It made the cut," with two laughing emojis.
Chris quipped: "Three inches away from being cancelled."
But he also clarified: "No. There was an intentional belly tickle. No boobs were brushed, disturbed or jostled during said tickle."
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The BBC dance show returned at the weekend after a summer of scandal involving allegations of bullying and distress caused by two of its most popular dancers, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
But there was no mention of the internal investigation as the likes of Pete Wicks, Tasha Ghouri and Nick Knowles were paired with their partners in a glossy series premiere.
Strictly Come Dancing fans furious as they realise THREE favourite pros have been 'ditched' for 2024 series
Many viewers at home praised the chemistry between Pete and Jowita Przystał - with some even salaciously joking that they will be hit with the Strictly 'curse' this year.
However, there was one couple in particular that audience members predicted would walk away in winning place.
Taking to social media, many claimed Amy Dowden and JLS singer JB Gill will come out victorious.
It marked her dramatic comeback to the Strictly dance floor for the first time in a year after a battle with cancer took her out of the competition.
Viewers were left in tears as she fronted a big dance number with all the other pros.
Despite the controversies, the hit BBC show continues to enjoy strong public support in its 20th year on the box.
However, by the end of the programme, Strictly fans realised three of their favourites had been left without a celeb.
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Michelle Tsiakkas was given her first ever celebrity - having been paired with EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick - returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec was also given a partner in the form of Love Island's Tasha Ghouri.
That meant Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Kai Widdrington were not given a celebrity to train.
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