Chris McCausland, the Strictly Come Dancing star, has revealed the heartbreaking reason why he was initially “terrified” of having children. The 47 year old, who shares a daughter named Sophie with his wife Patricia, opened up about his fears of parenthood on the Rosebud podcast with Gyles Brandreth.
Born with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Chris lost his sight at the age of 22. He confessed that he faced a “dilemma” over starting a family but knew he would “regret” not having children.
He said: “I was in such a dilemma about it because I knew I would regret not having kids, but the thought of having kids terrified me.”
“I want to be good at things, you know? ” He expressed his desire to excel in what he does, which is why he didn’t pursue a career as a website designer. Chris also reflected on his own childhood and his relationship with his father.
He continued: “You go back to talking about your own parents, and me dad, got nothing wrong with his eyesight, and all the things he used to do with me as a kid.”
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
“Taking me to different places and the time he put in helping me, you know, build things and you go, ‘How am I going to do all of those things? I’m not gonna be a proper dad. I’m gonna be a half-dad’.”
The comedian also admitted that the prospect of “doing something to a lower standard” due to his visual impairment often prevents him from engaging in activities he enjoys. Originally from West Derby, Chris worked as a web designer before his vision began to deteriorate.
He ventured into stand-up comedy and has now made history as the first ever blind contestant to grace the Strictly dance floor, impressing the judges with his cha cha moves. Teamed up with Dianne Buswell, he earned accolades from Anton du Beke who called his performance “just brilliant”.
Chris, who’s been with his partner Patricia for 16 years, shared how their romance blossomed while she was working on a TV programme about the Edinburgh Festival, according to the Mirror. He reminisced, “We got married in 2012 after I’d proposed during a Pearl Jam concert at Hyde Park rock and roll! ” Chris revealed.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
