Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 Glitterball champion, Chris McCausland, has revealed he was left feeling 'annoyed' by the BBC's persistent offers to join the show, which he initially dismissed as a 'ridiculous' proposition.
From Rejection to Victory
The 48-year-old comedian and blind performer turned down the invitation to compete multiple times before finally agreeing to take part in the 2024 series. Against all odds, he and his professional partner Dianne Buswell went on to win the entire competition, dazzling audiences and judges alike.
Reflecting on his journey, McCausland explained his initial reluctance was profound. "I said 'No' to it loads of times, I kept on saying 'No'," he shared. His detachment from the show was a key factor; he felt no emotional connection to Strictly Come Dancing and admitted he knew "literally nothing" about it.
The 'Ridiculous' Proposition and a Change of Heart
The central issue, however, was his visual impairment. McCausland questioned how a blind person could possibly compete in a dance contest, describing the very idea as "ridiculous." He was further frustrated that producers hadn't formulated a clear plan. "No, and this is what annoyed me," he stated when asked if the BBC had worked out the logistics.
Despite believing in representation on mainstream TV, his first reaction to the offer was, "Are you out of your mind?" He feared a potential televised disaster that could jeopardise his successful comedy career, which included touring thousand-seat venues.
The turning point came when he realised that saying 'no' would simply mean another blind contestant would be approached. McCausland decided he wanted to control the narrative. "I knew that apart from dancing, I could do it positively and with comedy," he said, emphasising that representation is about education and showing disabled people as capable competitors.
"If somebody else went on it with a sob story... I knew I'd be furious with myself," he added, determined to avoid a portrayal based on pity.
A Triumph of Wit and Performance
True to his word, McCausland's stint on Strictly was marked by incredible dance progress, sharp comedy, and memorable wit. One iconic moment saw him cheekily respond to judge Craig Revel Horwood's criticism that a routine "lacked any sort of swing."
McCausland fired back: "Craig, can I just say as well - the beard doesn't suit you and even I know that! Just friendly advice, darling." Revel Horwood took the jab in good humour, inviting him to touch the beard and confirming it was "very soft."
Ultimately, Chris McCausland's victory was about more than just dance. It was a conscious, successful mission to represent blindness with capability, positivity, and his trademark humour, changing perceptions for millions of viewers across the UK.
