Susan is our champion

Only those in possession of the hardest of hearts could have failed to be consumed by the sheer pleasure of watching comedian Susan Calman on Strictly Come Dancing these past few weeks.

Susan Calman

Not, by her own admission, a natural on the dance floor, Susan defied predictions of an early exit from the hit BBC One show and returned week after week with her professional dancer partner Kevin Clifton where, even if the steps weren’t always quite right, she maintained an infectious enthusiasm that made her every performance a joy.

Susan, who has written movingly about her mental health issues, has been the victim of some nasty online trolls in recent weeks. How baffling that anyone would wish to do anything other than thank this big-hearted woman for the happiness she has brought to our weekends. A Susan and Kevin victory was probably too much to hope for so it was no real surprise when they were finally voted off last night.

Though she did not win (and we’re all going to have to accept that), Susan is our champion. Thanks, Susan, for brightening up some cold, dark evenings.