Chris McCausland, born Christopher John McCausland on June 15, 1977, in Liverpool, England, is a renowned actor, comedian, and television personality best known for his stand-up comedy and being the first blind winner of the celebrated BBC series Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. His journey from a software engineer to one of the UK’s most beloved comedians is a story of resilience, wit, and inspiring triumph against adversity.
Chris McCausland made television history by becoming the first blind winner of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, captivating audiences alongside his professional partner Dianne Buswell with a series of ground-breaking performances that showcased both technical prowess and emotional depth. Their now-iconic waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone” earned widespread acclaim and a perfect score, helping them secure the Glitterball Trophy during the show’s 20th anniversary final.
Chris McCausland’s journey was marked by consistent improvement and innovative adaptations to meet the show’s physical demands, breaking barriers and reshaping perceptions about blindness and disability representation on mainstream television. His resilience and charm won over both the judges and the public. The pair’s victory was celebrated as an inspirational milestone by advocates and members of the blind community, further endorsed by high-profile industry figures and dance professionals. Hot on the heels of his Strictly triumph, Chris McCausland sold out the initial leg of his “Yonks!” UK comedy tour and announced the forthcoming release of his autobiography in 2025, cementing his position as both a pioneering performer and a beacon of hope for greater inclusivity in the arts.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Raised in West Derby Village, Liverpool, Chris McCausland grew up in a loving family with a younger sister. He was diagnosed with a hereditary eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa, causing gradual loss of sight that rendered him fully blind by his early twenties. Despite this challenge, Chris pursued education vigorously and moved to Surbiton, near Kingston upon Thames, in the mid-1990s to study Software Engineering at Kingston University, graduating with a BSc Honours degree in 2000.
He initially worked as a web developer, but as his eyesight worsened, he switched to sales jobs. During a bout of shingles in 2003, Chris tried stand-up comedy at a local new act night in Balham, where he discovered his passion and talent for making people laugh. Shortly after, he began to make a name for himself in the comedy circuit, winning competitions such as the Jongleurs J2O Last Laugh and placing in New Act of the Year and Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny? contests.
Comedy Career and Achievements
Over two decades, Chris McCausland has grown into a comedy heavyweight in the UK, performing internationally and in top venues like The Comedy Store and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Between 2005 and 2012, he took six stand-up shows to Edinburgh, earning accolades and the 2011 Creative Diversity Award for Comedy from a Channel 4-led broadcaster panel.
Chris McCausland’s comedy is often informed by his experience as a blind man, but it’s his sharp wit, observational humour, and warm stage presence that endear him to audiences. He has been a regular face on TV comedy shows, including Live at the Apollo (where he has appeared three times and hosted in 2022), Would I Lie to You?, Have I Got News for You, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and The Last Leg.
In addition to comedy, Chris has acted on TV, notably in the children’s series Me Too! and in appearances on EastEnders and Jimmy McGovern’s Moving On. He also gained exposure through appearances on celebrity game shows like Celebrity Mastermind (which he won with Pearl Jam as his specialist subject) and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.
Personal Life and Relationship
Chris has been married to Patricia, his Brazilian wife, since 2012. They met at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2005 when Patricia was filming a documentary. Their contrasting personalities, Chris describing Patricia’s life as “chaos”, typical of Brazilian culture, while he has a more British demeanour, add a unique flavour to their marriage. He often draws humorous material from their relationship and family life in his stand-up routines, though Patricia prefers some details to stay private.
The couple has a daughter, and despite Chris’s busy career, family remains a central part of his life.
Controversies and Strictly Scandal Context
During the 2024 season of Strictly Come Dancing, which Chris won, the show was embroiled in controversy involving professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. Allegations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour surfaced, with Pernice stepping down from the show and later competing in the Italian version of Strictly. Chris has commented on the challenges and tensions within the show, acknowledging the clash of objectives between celebrities and professional dancers.
Despite the controversy, Chris McCausland’s win was a celebratory and inspirational moment, as he became the first blind winner of Strictly. His success helped shift public conversations toward more inclusivity and representation on mainstream television.
Recent News and Projects
In 2024 and 2025, Chris McCausland’s profile has continued to rise sharply. After his Strictly win in December 2024 with professional dancer Dianne Buswell, Chris was awarded a BAFTA in 2025, further recognising his contribution to entertainment.
He has been touring extensively with his stand-up show Yonks!, which sold out performances across the UK in 2025. He is also starring in a Sky Max Christmas comedy-drama titled Bad Tidings, set to air in 2025.
In October 2025, Chris McCausland released a highly anticipated autobiography titled Keep Laughing, where he candidly shares his life story, career journey, and personal insights. Chris continues to perform regularly on the comedy circuit and is known for his engaging and uplifting live shows.
