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Chris McCausland has revealed why he signed up for Strictly Come Dancing, saying he wants to show that “everyone can shine as brightly as each other.
The comedian is making history as the first blind contestant on the BBC ballroom show. He has previously admitted that he thought he would be early casualty but with Blackpool looming, he and his pro dance partner Dianne Buswell are still contenders.
The star opened up about his reasons for doing the show as he appeared on spin-off It Takes Two on Thursday 7, November, saying that he hoped to “surprise people”.
What, how and why?
McCausland told It Takes Two host Janette Manrara that the first reason he signed up was to “represent”. The comic – who lost his sight 24 years ago at 22 because of hereditary condition Retinitis Pigmentosa – explained: “What I am trying to do here on Strictly is, I suppose, in a way, is first of all, represent in a way.”
He went on: “And also surprise people and I think maybe show people that more is possible and everybody can have their moment.”
“And maybe do something that you feel scared about or that strikes fear into you,” he added.
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“I thought I would go out in two weeks but I’m still here aren’t I? It’s a good positive message that everyone can shine as brightly as each other, you know?”
What else did Chris McCausland say on It Takes Two?
McCausland and Dianne also addressed their latest routine, a Kiss-inspired Tango. The pair scored 29 out of a possible 40 for their performance, which left them towards the bottom of the leaderboard.
However, Manrara noted that judge Craig Revel Horwood had spotted signs of improvement, which the star said he was pleased about.
“It’s good that people are seeing improvements because, you know, doing this show, coming into it as someone who has got no dance experience, there is a lot of things you are expected to do that are things that a dancer would learn over years – the ability to separate your feet and your arms… and having to concentrate through footwork, and hold a frame while you are concentrating on your legs.
“We are expected to do it in just like a few weeks really.” “Days Chris, days!” Buswell joked.
“From the start of the series, to have it acknowledged I am improving, I am happy with that,” McCausland said.
Strictly: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two at 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One at 6.25pm on Saturday.
