Strictly Come Dancing have reportedly signed up their first ever blind star.
BBC chiefs are said to have struck a deal with comedian Chris McCausland as he prepares to move and shake for the upcoming series later this year. Chris as a signing comes after deaf Eastenders star Rose Ayling-Ellis proved to be victorious in 2021.
The CBeebies actor, 46, lost his sight 24-years ago after suffering a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa. Despite losing his sight, he has not let that stand in his way and has gone on to achieve great things.
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Being a fun-loving and upbeat TV star makes him the ideal candidate and with the BBC keen to provide equal opportunities for all and following Rose’s success three years ago, it’s a no brainer that chiefs wanted to strike up a deal with Chris.
(Image: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)
Speaking about the new signing, a source revealed to The Sun: ” Strictly Come Dancing bosses are delighted by the signing and think Chris will be great on the show. He has a hilarious sense of humour and an infectious personality.”
The insider added: “Producers are really keen to showcase disability on TV and are conscious of how important it is. Chris loves working and doing TV so it’s the perfect project. Chris has spoken openly of his sight issues and is determined to show it won’t hold him back on the ballroom dance floor.”
(Image: PA)
With Chris already being a crowd pleaser and at pro when it comes to performing in front of large audiences, it was an easy signing for bosses, plus the source added he’s “prepared to put in hard work and long hours in training.”
“He’s also hoping to have a lot of fun and raise his profile, like a lot of celebs taking part on Strictly. The pro dancers will all want to be partnered with him to embrace a new challenge and a show first,” explained the insider.
(Image: Channel 4)
The Liverpool-native, who is married to wife Patricia – who he shares 10-year-old daughter Sophie with has always been open about losing his sight and how “painful” it was to experience at the ripe age of 22.
Last year, in an interview before appearing on Channel 4’s Scared Of The Dark he explained what life was really like for him. He said: “I’m blind but I don’t see black.”
Chris added: “I still see light and space, I still have an awareness of the space around me, not in terms of objects and things, but in terms of the room and whether there might be something in front of me.
“It just gives you that awareness that you’re taking that away from me. I’m a slave to my iPhone like everybody else. So on paper you go, ‘Well, I should nail this,’ but in one area I should be more practically adjusted.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
