Blind comedian Chris McCausland dazzled Strictly Come Dancing judges and viewers with his cha-cha-cha performance alongside professional partner Dianne Buswell, offering a welcome antidote to recent controversies surrounding the show. The 47-year-old, who lost his sight to retinitis pigmentosa 20 years ago, executed lifts, slides, and jumps, swinging Buswell through his legs to the Beatles' Twist and Shout.
Head judge Shirley Ballas said she was 'quite shocked and very emotional,' while Anton du Beke called it 'one of the most incredible things I’ve seen in my entire life, just brilliant.' Craig Revel Horwood, however, criticised dropped shoulders and unstraight legs, prompting McCausland to retort: 'I’m too knackered to care, mate. Give me whatever score you want,' before adding: 'I’ll drive you home tonight!'
McCausland, who studied software engineering at Kingston University and worked as a web developer before his sight deteriorated, turned to comedy after his eyesight worsened. He considered a career in intelligence but was rejected by MI5 because tasks would take him too long. He found success in standup, winning a newcomer award, and later appeared on shows such as Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News for You, and Would I Lie to You? He also fronted the Channel 4 travel series Wonders of the World I Can’t See.
Despite turning down repeated requests to join Strictly before the recent controversies, McCausland eventually agreed, citing 'flattery' and a desire to step out of his 'comfort zone.' He hopes to highlight 'just how capable and resilient blind people are.' He has never watched the show and admits he likely won't last long, but plans to get his jokes in early.
