A FORMER Hereford student will take to the dancefloor tonight as he stars in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

The first dances for Strictly Come Dancing’s 2024 couples have been revealed with the latest series’ week one live show airing tonight at 7pm (September 21) on BBC One.

For those who can't make it to the TV for 7pm, the programme will also be available shortly after broadcast for catch-up on BBC iPlayer.

Comedian Chris McCausland, the show’s first blind contestant, will dance the Cha Cha to Twist And Shout by The Beatles, with partner Dianne Buswell.

The pair will be one of 15 brand new couples to perform their opening routines of the competition tonight.

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Chris McCausland is an alum of the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford.

The 47-year-old comedian, originally from Liverpool, lost his eyesight in his early 20s as a result of retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary condition. This diagnosis prompted a career change from his previous job in web development to become a comedian.

McCausland studied at the college and even returned in 2022 to mark its 105th anniversary with a show at the Courtyard in Hereford.

He is known to television audiences for his role as Rudi in the CBeebies show Me Too, and regularly appears at comedy venues around the UK, including the Comedy Store.

The 47-year-old recently revealed he initially did not want to join the celebrity cast, but said he was “very easily persuaded”.

The Hereford-based college has said it is rooting for its former student.

A spokesperson for the college said: "As the first blind contestant on Strictly, it will be interesting to follow Chris' partnership with pro dancer Diane Buswell. Communicating dance moves to someone without sight will be a challenge, but we’re excited to see how they tackle it.

“Chris' spatial awareness, balance, and coordination will be key, and Diane will have to provide vivid descriptions and physical guidance.

"It will be interesting to see if she has any other creative methods to help with learning.

“They may not always be together depending on the dance, so it will be fascinating to see how Chris navigates the dance floor independently and finds his way back to Diane. The lifts will be particularly interesting!"

No-one will be going home this week, with the judges' scores will be carried over to next week, when viewers will have their first chance to vote for their favourites.