In a groundbreaking achievement, comedian Chris McCausland has made history as the first blind contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing in the show's 20-year run. The journey to this remarkable victory was far from easy, marked by intense physical demands and unwavering determination.
McCausland, who inherited a genetic condition that caused him to lose his sight like his mother and sister, transformed the dance floor into his stage. The comedian revealed the sheer intensity of preparing for Strictly, describing grueling 15-hour daily rehearsals that pushed him to his physical limits.
"I was broken. I mean, it was relentless," McCausland shared, reflecting on the demanding competition schedule. "Physically I ached. I had lost weight. I'm probably fitter than I've been in ages but I was held together with tape at the end."
Despite the exhausting journey, McCausland's triumph has catapulted his career to new heights. The comedian has responded to "phenomenal demand" by adding over a hundred dates to his stand-up tour, "Yonks!" The contrast between his usual comedy routine and competitive dancing is stark, with McCausland noting that "sitting on a stool performing comedy to paying fans is a doddle compared with the gruelling rehearsals required for Strictly Come Dancing."
His historic win not only marks a personal milestone but also represents a breakthrough moment for representation in mainstream entertainment, proving that visual impairment need not be a barrier to achieving excellence in dance.