Chris McCausland opens up about blindness struggles and Strictly performance

In a recent interview, Chris McCausland, a contestant on the UK television show Strictly Come Dancing, discussed his journey as the show's first blind participant. McCausland lost his sight at the age of 22 due to a hereditary condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, which gradually impaired his vision over time. He expressed that there was a considerable period of denial regarding his diagnosis, comparable to the metaphorical 'frog in boiling water' experience; this made it challenging for him to accept the reality of his condition. In his late teens and early twenties, he often pretended to see and resisted the use of visual aids, like a cane, reflecting a common human response to disability in youth. McCausland also conveyed feelings of embarrassment and shame linked to his blindness, particularly in social settings, fearing that others may be staring at him. This shame prompted him to avoid discussing his blindness in his stand-up comedy, as he aimed to align with a notion of 'normalcy' and not be pigeonholed into a stereotype of making blind jokes. Instead, he focused on entertaining audiences by creating connections without stressing his disability. With his partner Dianne Buswell on Strictly, he recognized their lack of technical dancing prowess compared to other couples but emphasized the importance of connection and entertainment over competition. Despite never having seen the show, he approached it with a serious commitment, putting in 100 percent effort into every performance. The aim was not just to dance, but to engage with viewers, proving that even in facing adversity, he and Buswell could inspire and entertain through their performances. McCausland's perspective on his blindness and participation in Strictly underscores the potential for triumph over personal challenges while promoting awareness and understanding about disabilities in a public domain. As the show's remaining contestants included various personalities alongside him, McCausland reflects a broader narrative of overcoming barriers and redefining the concept of competitiveness in entertainment.