Strictly’s Chris McCausland reveals bosses offered to bring in never seen before rule for him – but he refused
STRICTLY’S Chris McCausland has revealed bosses offered to bring in a never seen before rule for him – but he refused.
Chris, 47, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, was offered a special adjustment by producers to help him navigate his performances.
The TV personality told how showrunners suggested they quiet the studio audience during his performances, so he could more easily hear his dance partner, Dianne Buswell, 35.
But, despite the thoughtful offer, he rejected the idea, explaining that part of the fun and energy of the show is created by the lively atmosphere of the crowd.
He told The Guardian: “I’m a comedian, part of the reason you’re in it is to create a good atmosphere. I’m a needy b*****d.”
Saturday’s episode was an emotional episode for Chris and Dianne, as her parents were over from Australia to watch them perform.
Strictly fans were left in tears as they spotted her proud dad Mark – who often features on her social media pages – sobbing during the dance.
The impact of the weekend was compounded by the fact the performed two routines – with fans slamming the “totally unfair” Sambathon which wrapped the BBC live show.
The comic was pulled out first in a routine which saw all the remaining couples take a turn on the floor.
After his place in the BBC One programme was secure for another week – with EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick being given the boot – Chris opted to take some time away from rehearsals.
Today, he was seen out with his wife Patricia, donning a zip knit jumper, jeans and a pale baseball cap as he headed out for a stroll in west London.
Patricia wore a chunky brown knit jumper, jeans and a black handbag linked arms with him as they walked down a street before stopping outside a restaurant.
As she went inside, Chris waited in the garden area with his phone in his hands.
They were also accompanied by their daughter Sophie and their dog.
Patricia, who used to work in TV but now is a psychologist, has been married to Chris since 2012.
The pair met during his early career while she was making a programme about the Edinburgh Festival and have been a couple since 2008.
Chris often mentions his family in his comedy routines, but keeps his personal life relatively private.
Patricia has told him she is comfortable with him sharing stories about their family in his comedy, as long as they are not too embarrassing.
Chris previously admitted: “Patricia has been to many shows, but not in quite some time.
Strictly 2024 pairings
Here's who is matched with who this series...
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
“She is very happy for me to talk about her on stage, just so long as I don’t mention anything too embarrassing.
“I suppose, that because she doesn’t come along to watch every show, I can say what I want really, just not on the telly.”
CLAP BACK
Meanwhile, this weekend, Chris took to his Instagram page following the fan frenzy over the group routine.
Commenting on the experience for the first time, he wrote: “I was really proud of our dance on Saturday, and as for the Sambathon….[zipped-mouth emoji] ….Well thank you so much for all of your votes.
“You really did help us survive double Latin!
“See you tomorrow partner [Dianne Buswell], I’ll be bringing earplugs.”
JB Gill won the samba-thon and scored the full seven points.
Tasha Ghouri was runner-up with six points after getting the first 40 of the series.
Meanwhile, Chris dealt a blow to his fans this week as he revealed he would not be going on the show tour.
Yet, instead, he has teamed up with Lee Mack for a Christmas comedy special.
Chris McCausland and wife Patricia - relationship history
CHRIS McCausland was spotted taking a break from Strictly rehearsals for a day out with his wife - yet how did their relationship evolve?
Patricia, who used to work in TV but now is a psychologist, has been married to Chris since 2012.
The pair met during his early career while she was making a programme about the Edinburgh Festival.
They have been a couple since 2008, and tied the knot in 2012.
Their engagement story is a memorable one — Chris proposed to Patricia during a Pearl Jam concert at Hyde Park.
Chris and Sophie have one child together — a daughter named Sophie.
Speaking about being a blind parent, Chris told Disability Horizons:: “My wife is sighted, so that helps a lot.
“I can’t imagine how difficult being a mum must be if you are blind, or how difficult it must be if both parents are blind.
“My daughter really gets that I am blind and is very helpful.
“She will also sit through a film with audio description on, even though I know that it drives her a bit mad.
“I mean, it drives me a bit mad too as it tells you way more information than you need to know!”