Television history is being made as comedian Chris McCausland prepares to become the first visually impaired contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. The 47-year-old star opened up about his groundbreaking participation during an emotional appearance on ITV's This Morning with hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.
A Groundbreaking Strictly Moment
McCausland, who has been completely blind since his late teens due to a genetic condition called retinitis pigmentosa, shared fascinating insights into how he'll navigate the dance floor. "I'm not going to be able to see the judges, which might be a good thing," he joked during the heartfelt interview.
Understanding Morning Blindness
The comedian provided viewers with a unique perspective on visual impairment, explaining his experience with morning blindness. "When I wake up, I'm completely blind," McCausland revealed. "It takes about 20 minutes for my brain to adjust and work out what little bit of sight I've got."
He described the phenomenon as similar to "switching on an old television" where the picture gradually comes into focus, offering a powerful analogy that helped viewers understand his daily experience.
Strictly's Adaptation for Inclusion
The Strictly production team is implementing innovative solutions to ensure McCausland can participate fully. His professional dance partner will serve as his "eyes on the dance floor," guiding him through spatial awareness and helping him navigate the studio environment safely.
"They're going to have to describe things to me," McCausland explained. "I need to know what the set looks like, where the judges are sitting, where the stairs are."
A New Perspective on Dance
McCausland brings a fresh approach to the competition, focusing on the physical sensation of movement rather than visual imitation. "Dancing is about feeling and connection," he emphasized. "It's about the rhythm and the partnership rather than just copying what you see."
Overcoming Challenges with Humour
True to his comedic roots, McCausland maintained his trademark humour throughout the discussion. When asked about potentially tripping over his dance partner, he quipped: "I'm more worried about dropping her!"
His appearance on This Morning marks a significant moment for disability representation on mainstream television, with Alison Hammond visibly moved by their conversation about breaking barriers in entertainment.
As Strictly Come Dancing continues its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Chris McCausland's participation promises to be one of the most inspiring stories of the new season, changing perceptions about what's possible for visually impaired performers in the entertainment industry.
