Chris McCausland reveals biggest fear as Strictly’s first blind contestant
Comedian said he is grateful not to receive special treatment on the show
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Strictly star Chris McCausland has opened up about the pressures of being the show’s first blind contestant and revealed his biggest fear because of it.
The 47-year-old comedian has fast become a fan-favourite for his short quips and witty retorts. As well as his personality, he’s impressed judges with his dance performances alongside partner Dianne Buswell. The pair have been scoring fairly high results across the series so far, although last week’s performance had McCausland worried he would be voted off.
Toyah Willcox even advised her fellow contestants if they wanted to win, “get rid of Chris!” and faced backlash as a result. While public figures such as Lord Alan Sugar caused controversy by appearing to call one of his performances a “gimmick”.
“There’s no hiding from the fact that I am doing this not being able to see where I am or what I am doing,” he told The Times. “It’s nice that they acknowledge that.”
As well as the accessibility challenges of the competition, McCausland revealed his biggest fear in the contest.
“I always find it quite overwhelming at the end of the dances — for various reasons, but if I drop Dianne on her head I can’t really style that out,” he explained. “So the release of the nerves, and the audience reaction, I have to take a moment.”
However, he said he appreciated that he doesn’t get special treatment because of his disability.
“I think it’s also good that Craig [Revel Horwood] maintains his character on it and criticises me. I poke him back with a stick and see what I get out of him. I’m good with that. That’s what the show is.”
Although he has become beloved for his personality, he reiterated that he did not want to be known as the “fun” guy.
“Because if I come on the air and because of my blindness I fail, that’s no good for anyone,” he continued. “The whole point of being here is to surprise people, to represent people and maybe expose people to somebody they might think would be incapable of doing these things.”
Commenting on perceptions of himself as inspirational, he said: “If you’ve got a disability you have to show so much perseverance and creativity and problem-solving just day to day. There are so many people out there capable of way more than the opportunities they are given.
“For me, it’s about representing that community. I hugely put myself out of my comfort zone to do something that I didn’t know I’d be able to do. And so if that inspires people to have a go at something then I’m good with that.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments