In a candid discussion with Rob Brydon on his podcast, Chris detailed how he meticulously prepared to not only participate in the show but to thrive in it. The format of the show, hosted by Jimmy Carr, pits two teams of comedians against each other in a comedic twist on the classic game show Countdown. Chris revealed that the producers initially assumed he would struggle with the gameplay due to his blindness, but he aimed to flip that expectation on its head.
“I think they thought that even if I was rubbish at the game, it would still be funny to watch me,” Chris explained. However, he was determined to be “amazing” and surprise his fellow contestants. To prepare, Chris dedicated himself to watching 60 or 70 episodes of Countdown, learning the tricks of the trade when it came to word formation and mental math.
“I drove my wife mad. I thought, ‘What would be more fun than me being rubbish at Countdown? What if I was brilliant at it?'” he stated, demonstrating his commitment to turning the challenge into an entertaining experience. He even suggested a playful twist during practice rounds, blindfolding others to level the playing field.
Despite the show’s puzzle rounds being the only segments he couldn’t practice, Chris still managed to guess words correctly, leading to moments of overwhelming excitement that almost triggered a panic attack. “I didn’t know what to do with myself!” he admitted, showcasing his genuine thrill in the competition.
Having lost his sight at the age of 22 due to retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes the gradual degeneration of the retina’s light-sensitive cells, Chris is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. He reflected on his experience of blindness in a previous interview, discussing how losing sight does not necessarily enhance other senses but rather makes one more attuned to their surroundings. “When you’re sitting in a beach resort, and you can’t see what’s around you, you focus on how hot you are, which can be even more distressing,” he shared.
Chris’s journey has made him a beloved figure on Strictly Come Dancing, where he has partnered with Diane Buswell in the latest season. Their performances have captivated audiences, with many fans praising the chemistry and energy they bring to the stage.
As the first visually impaired contestant on Strictly, Chris has spoken openly about the pressure of representing his community. While he embraces the humor and charm that come with his persona, he is also aware of the expectations tied to his performance. “I don’t want to be known just as the ‘funny’ blind guy,” he remarked. “The goal is to surprise people, represent them, and challenge perceptions of what someone with a disability can achieve.”
With his unique strategy and unwavering determination, Chris McCausland continues to inspire audiences and prove that challenges can be turned into strengths, all while bringing joy and laughter to viewers every Saturday night.