In her article, Katie Hind argues that Chris McCausland, the straightforward blind TV comic, is just what Strictly Come Dancing needs following a year filled with scandal. His refreshing honesty and humor could provide a welcome shift in tone for the show, appealing to audiences looking for genuine entertainment. With his unique perspective and comedic talent, McCausland could help restore a sense of joy and authenticity to the beloved dance competition.
It was only when Dianne Buswell accidentally kicked Chris McCausland in the face that the true scale of the challenges she faced with her new dance partner became evident. This incident highlighted the complexities and adjustments needed when working with a blind partner, showcasing the determination and adaptability required for their performances.
The blow landed without Chris McCausland seeing it coming; he didn’t have time to duck or even flinch. This unexpected moment underscored the difficulties of adapting to dance routines while managing the realities of his blindness, emphasizing both the physical and emotional challenges he and Dianne Buswell faced together.
But no, this isn’t another tale of alleged bullying and violence in the Strictly Come Dancing rehearsal studio, which has plagued the Saturday night favorite for the past nine months. For Chris McCausland, the contestant on the receiving end of Dianne Buswell’s high-kick—which left him with a slightly sore cheek but mercifully no black eye—this was simply a miscommunication.
As the 47-year-old comedian explained in an exclusive interview with the Mail: “Maybe Dianne thought I could see more than I was letting on, but I can’t see anything. Nothing. Then I stood there and took her foot right in the face without even blinking.” This moment not only illustrated the challenges he faces but also highlighted the lighthearted nature he brings to the competition.
Chris couldn’t resist sharing the anecdote on the show last Saturday, fully aware that he probably shouldn’t have. Given the recent complaints from contestants Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott about their treatment by dance partners Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima—accusations that were denied—it’s fair to assume the BBC may not appreciate humor on the subject.
“I didn’t tell the bosses I was going to say it because I knew they would tell me not to,” Chris admitted. “It’s one of those things you wouldn’t say on paper, but I knew it was funny.” And it was. Very funny. Fortunately, Chris seems to have escaped any repercussions.
After just one week in live competition, the show’s first blind contestant has been hailed as the savior of Strictly, bringing a refreshing perspective and a much-needed dose of humor to the program.
With a dark cloud hanging over the show since January, when Amanda first came forward with her complaints, Chris brought bundles of joy to the embattled viewers with his cheeky wit and impressive Cha Cha to The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout” last Saturday night. His lighthearted approach and undeniable talent not only entertained the audience but also provided a refreshing contrast to the controversies surrounding the competition.
He and Dianne received 23 out of 40 points, prompting bookies to slash their odds of winning the glitterball from 14/1 to 7/2, placing them alongside frontrunners like former JLS singer and TV presenter JB Gill and his partner Amy Dowden.
Chris, who resides in South London with his wife Patricia, a psychologist, and their 11-year-old daughter Sophie, has revised his initial target of lasting three weeks on the show. Despite this, he maintains that he won’t win. However, many believe otherwise. Strictly bosses are eager to recreate the success of their first deaf dancer, Rose Ayling-Ellis, who won the series three years ago.
However, it was precisely this concern that almost led Chris to decline participation, as he was wary of being seen as a token representative.
“I said no a few times; I didn’t think it was something I could do,” he explains. “I didn’t believe it would be logistically feasible to pull this off on live television. I didn’t want to be a token attempt, a token contribution so people would say, ‘Ah, wasn’t that a good effort? Isn’t he doing well for someone who can’t see?’ I didn’t want any of that.”
Chris, who hosts The Chris McCausland Show on ITV, admits the BBC was persistent in their pursuit of him. After some pressure from his team—his agent and tour manager, who he jokes were eager to boost his profile—he finally agreed to participate.
“I couldn’t see the sparkles, the sequins; I couldn’t visualize what the show entailed,” he reflects. “I couldn’t listen to it again, so I had no idea how good or bad the contestants were or where I might fit in. There were so many unknowns and so much jeopardy. I had no idea if I’d be a car crash on live television. But eventually, I made peace with the terror.”
Chris lost his sight in his early 20s due to a hereditary condition known as retinitis pigmentosa. The deterioration was gradual, beginning with difficulty seeing in the dark and eventually leading to complete blindness.
Originally from Liverpool, Chris studied for a degree in software engineering before transitioning to stand-up comedy. His decision to participate in Strictly Come Dancing was motivated by a desire to showcase the versatility of blind individuals.
Chris emphasizes the importance of representation for the blind community, stating, “I think it’s good for the blind community to be represented, to show everybody else what they can do.” He highlights the high unemployment rate for working-age blind individuals, which stands at around 70%. Chris explains that many people lack personal connections with blind individuals and often have questions about everyday activities, such as eating. He notes that much of what he does on the dance floor mirrors the problem-solving skills that blind people utilize in their daily lives.
However, his experience on Strictly has been challenging. In a recent conversation, Chris admitted to feeling exhausted and stiff, likening his discomfort to having “been sleeping on the floor for a month.” On the bright side, he mentioned losing one-and-a-half inches from his waistline, humorously remarking, “Great, isn’t it?”
Chris described the last month of training as “gruelling,” recalling that during his first live dance, Dianne remarked he was a “shade of pale she had never seen before.” This humorous anecdote highlights the intense pressure and physical demands he has faced as he navigates the challenges of competing on Strictly.
