Chris McCausland addresses Strictly Come Dancing rumours

The comedian joked that he hadn't seen the rumours about him doing the BBC show

Julia Hunt
·Contributor
·2-min read
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Chris McCausland attends the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on May 08, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Chris McCausland would be the first blind Strictly contestant. (Getty Images)

Comedian Chris McCausland has played down rumours he is about to become the first blind contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, teasing that the BBC wouldn’t be able to afford the insurance.

There have been rumours that the star - who lost his sight 24 years ago at 22 because of hereditary condition Retinitis Pigmentosa – has signed up for this year’s series of the BBC ballroom show, which featured deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis three years ago. McCausland would be to the first blind celeb to take to the Strictly dancefloor.

He was asked about it during an appearance on BBC’s The One Show, but played his cards close to his chest.

Host Alex Jones mentioned the whispers, saying there were rumours that McCausland was doing Strictly this year. “Are there?” he said, joking: “I haven’t seen the papers!”

Chris McCausland was asked about the Strictly rumours. (BBC screengrab)
Chris McCausland was asked about the Strictly rumours. (BBC screengrab)

He went on: “Let’s be honest right, I don’t think the BBC could afford the insurance, could they?

“I mean, me on the dancefloor, I’d take out three cameras a week!”

Jones asked whether, if McCausland were to take part, he’d be “fresh” to dancing or had any experience.

The comic, who was a contestant in the Channel 4 reality television series Scared Of The Dark last year, replied: “I am a child of the 90s grunge scene. I grew up with rock and metal and headbanging and mosh pits and crowd surfing.”

“That is the extent of my experience,” he laughed.

From Lifted Entertainment THE BRITISH SOAP AWARDS 2023 Tuesday 6th June 2023 on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Chris McCausland presenting the Best Comedy Performance award The British Soap Awards returns to ITV1 and ITVX this June to once again celebrate the nations biggest and most-loved soap operas. This year the awards will take place at The Lowry in Salford hosted by Jane McDonald. As always, the numerous awards will be presented by an array of well-known faces from across the TV and showbiz world. For 2023, the ˜Best Family™ category will move into the panel vote, whilst Best Villain and ˜Best Young Performer™ will both move into the public vote. Returning to its previous format, the awards will broadcast in a pre-recorded midweek primetime slot. As always, the award ceremony will celebrate a mammoth year in soap opera, looking back on twelve months of murder, mystery, make-ups, break ups, trials, tribulations and tears. An incredible year in which Mick and Janine Carter dramatically departed Albert Square in EastEnders, Daisy Midgely fell victim to a dangerous stalker in Coronation Street, Warren couldn’™t escape Norma’s lies and manipulation in Hollyoaks, Paddy considered taking his own life following a build up of isolation, grief and confusion in Emmerdale and Rob was left devastated following Karen sudden death in Doctors. The five biggest soaps - Coronation Street, Doctors, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks - will be battling it out to win recognition for their work over the past year. Some of the biggest faces from all five soaps will be hitting the red carpet for the most star-studded and glamorous event in the soap calendar. (C) ITV Photographer Johnathon Hordle For further information please contact Peter Gray Mob 07831460662 / peter.gray@itv.com This photograph is (C) *** and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned herein. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Chris McCausland was on reality show Scared Of The Dark last year. (ITV)

In 2021, EastEnders actor Rose Ayling-Ellis made history when she became the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. She was paired up with pro Giovanni Pernice in the contest and the pair dazzled judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse. The pair went on to win the series and lift the coveted Glitterball trophy.

McCausland is one of the first celebs to be linked to this year's series, which is expected to start in the autumn. Others being mentioned include newsreader Clive Myrie, Tom Malone Jr from Gogglebox and The Traitors' Mollie Pearce. Another celeb thought to be in the mix is Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham.

Yahoo has contacted the BBC for comment on rumours about McCausland signing up.

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