Chris McCausland, the 45-year-old stand-up comedian who lost his sight completely by age 22 due to retinitis pigmentosa, has described himself as a reluctant traveller. Despite this, Channel 4 has given him his own travel show, The Wonders of the World I Can’t See. McCausland admits he is not a big traveller, citing his fear of flying, discomfort in heat, and the perceived pointlessness of visiting sights he cannot see.
In the show, McCausland visits Rome, Athens, Niagara Falls and Jordan, accompanied by comedy foils such as Liza Tarbuck, Guz Khan, Tom Allen and Harry Hill. These companions help him navigate and ensure he doesn't trip over obstacles. McCausland's frustration often comes to the fore, with Tarbuck calling him a 'grumpy Scouse git' at one point. He notes that some wonders are 'the most underwhelming part of the trip'.
McCausland, originally from Liverpool, moved to London to study software engineering but had to abandon that career as his eyesight deteriorated. He jokingly mentioned applying to become a spy for MI5, making it to the final 30 out of 3,000 applicants before being turned down due to his eyesight. He then turned to stand-up comedy, citing influences like Jack Dee, Lee Evans and Eddie Izzard.
Despite the show, McCausland remains unenthusiastic about holidays, preferring to stay home and work while his wife and nine-year-old daughter travel without him. He says he gets 'very bored in my own mind' when not occupied.
