Chris McCausland has since admitted that he is vulnerable because he won the 2024 season of Strictly Come Dancing with Dianne Buswell.
Comedian Chris McCausland has spoken frankly about his emotional journey on Strictly Come Dancing, revealing that the show stirred up a whirlwind of feelings in him that couldn’t be faked.
Chris, 48, made history by not only participating in but also winning the 2024 edition of the popular dance show with partner Dianne Buswell, marking him as the first blind contestant to do so. Chris, who is registered blind, lost his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa in his twenties.
Since his triumphant stint on the show, he’s returned to the world comedy and acting, while also sharing insights into his time on the beloved BBC programme as the latest series unfolds this autumn.
He’s written an autobiography called Keep Laughing, which explores his life story, including his memorable Strictly experience, to add another feather to his cap.
Chris opened up about the impact the show had on him and increased his willingness to display vulnerability in a conversation with the weekend magazine of the Daily Mail.
He continued, “It didn’t feel like it was fake not to be emotional; it felt fake.” In terms of vulnerability and showing that side of me, it significantly altered me. Perfectionism is something I’ve always struggled with. However, sticking to Strictly made me care less about how imperfect things are.
Strictly made it possible for me to write the book because we “connected with people in a way I never expected.” Many of that would have been kept a lid on if I had tried to write it three years ago.
Chris also made fun of the physical and mental strain of keeping up performance on the program week after week. He explained to The Times that despite his accomplishments and encouragement, the journey became tiresome after 12 weeks.
He said, “I was so depleted in every way by week 12 of Strictly. I lacked any tenacity. Week by week, it depressed me.
“I can’t think of anything else on television that is that exposing, consuming, unrelenting, pressurized, and subjected to that much scrutiny. What Dianne and I did unexpectedly for each other. On the show, it provided something for everyone to enjoy. It was extraordinary to be a part of it.
Chris’ Strictly appearance has inspired thousands of viewers across the country, but it has also inspired him personally, as he has since admitted that without the experience, he wouldn’t have written his memoir.
Chris also won the May Scope Awards for the Celebrity Role Model, in addition to taking home the Strictly crown. Chris, who collected the award, said his participation had demonstrated that those with disabilities had far greater skills than most people assume.
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply