Chris McCausland, 48, hailing from Liverpool, was a software engineer until he lost his vision in his 20s because of a genetic condition. Compelled to switch paths, he ventured into sales before embracing standup comedy in 2003. In 2024, he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and triumphed. He was recognized for his waltz with pro Dianne Buswell, earning the memorable moment Bafta in 2025. This year, he expanded his theatre tour Yonks! with over 100 additional dates, scheduled to continue until May 2026, and has recently released a memoir titled Keep Laughing. He resides in London with his spouse and child.
When were you at your happiest?
During my college years from ages 17 to 19, before adult responsibilities settled in, enjoying activities I excelled at and loved – computers, mathematics, further mathematics (I was quite the nerd).
What trait in yourself do you most regret?
I’m often judgmental.
What trait in others do you most dislike?
Self-centeredness.
What was your most awkward moment?
As my sight waned, I unknowingly entered an undertaker’s thinking it was a barber’s. I inquired if the undertaker had many clients waiting.
Describe yourself in three words.
Hard-working, resilient, annoying.
What would your superpower be?
I can handle tasks with my eyes closed.
What do you dislike about your appearance?
I haven’t seen my reflection in 25 years, but likely my thin, sad hair.
If you could resurrect something extinct, what would it be?
Dinosaurs that are unable to escape the water.
Who would portray you in the movie of your life?
There’s a glaring issue here, but – forget it – Denzel Washington, because he’s the greatest.
Which book do you regret not reading?
To Kill a Mockingbird – I was supposed to read it for an exam but didn’t and resorted to cheating. I was permitted to type my responses on a laptop because I couldn’t read my handwriting, so I concealed an electronic version of the book on the laptop.
What is the meanest thing anyone’s said to you?
I was ejected from a club by bouncers after walking into someone and informing them that I was registered blind. They replied: “Don’t care – you don’t belong here.” As a straight white man, it offers a glimpse into what others face.
What is your guilty pleasure?
The film While You Were Sleeping featuring Sandra Bullock.
What does love feel like?
Boisterous and chaotic.
Which living person do you most loathe, and why?
The person who invented Auto-Tune for pop songs, as it has marred music that was already quite poor.
What is the worst job you’ve held?
A multitude of dreadful gigs. You can’t achieve success as a comedian without failing spectacularly more times than you can recall.
How frequently do you engage in sex?
Whenever Jupiter aligns with Neptune, and the day’s name contains an X.
What single change would enhance your life?
Improved eyesight.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
Strictly. I entered it anticipating I’d last only a fortnight!
Share a secret.
I’m contemplating a hair transplant. As a comedian, it’s tax-deductible.
