Breaking Barriers on Strictly

Comedian Chris McCausland is breaking barriers and expectations as Strictly Come Dancing’s first blind contestant. While admitting he and his dance partner Dianne Buswell face stiff competition, the 47-year-old performer has captured viewers' hearts with his charismatic performances and steadfast determination.

McCausland’s journey to the Strictly stage is both inspiring and unique. Losing his sight at 22 due to the genetic condition retinitis pigmentosa, he likened the experience to being a "frog in boiling water," a gradual process that was both physically and emotionally challenging.

At first, McCausland resisted adapting to his blindness. “There’s a lot of denial and resistance to it, especially when you’re in your late teens and early 20s,” he revealed. Feeling shame and embarrassment, he avoided using aids like a cane and shied away from making his blindness a focal point in his stand-up routines.

For years, McCausland deliberately steered clear of referencing his condition in his comedy. “I always thought, if I was in the audience and someone like me came on stage, I’d think: ‘Oh f**king hell, this is going to be 20 minutes of blind jokes,’” he explained. Instead, he sought to entertain without leaning on his personal struggles, preferring to keep audiences and himself focused on the humor.

On Strictly, however, McCausland’s approach has shifted. He and Buswell have prioritized connecting with the audience over technical perfection. "All we can do is connect with people," McCausland said. “That’s been our goal—to entertain and do the best we can.”

His commitment to authenticity and effort has resonated with fans, who have rallied behind his performances. The competition remains fierce, with contestants like Montell Douglas, Sarah Hadland, Pete Wicks, JB Gill, and Tasha Ghouri still in the running. Yet, McCausland’s journey exemplifies how passion and connection can transcend challenges, redefining what it means to succeed on the dancefloor.