Chris McCausland details the moment he went blind 20 years ago – as he joins the Strictly Come Dancing lineup
As a lifestyle expert with a profound appreciation for resilience and determination, I wholeheartedly admire Chris McCausland’s journey. Losing his sight at such a young age was undeniably a challenging experience, but he transformed that adversity into an opportunity to excel and inspire others.
Previously, Chris McCausland reminisced about the heart-wrenching incident when he went blind 20 years back. This unfortunate event occurred several months prior to his announcement as the initial celebrity contestant for this season’s Strictly Come Dancing.
It was first disclosed on August 5th during the This Morning show that he would participate, and Chris marks the first time a visually impaired contestant will compete on Strictly.
Twenty years ago, Chris began experiencing vision loss as a result of retinitis pigmentosa. In 2023, he looked back and acknowledged how ‘frightening and awkward’ those moments were for him.
On Channel 4’s Scared of the Dark program, Chloe Burrows, aged 27, inquired about Chris’s experience as his sight began to fade. This query initiated a discussion between them.
He responded, saying, “Indeed, it was excruciating. For the past two decades, I’ve been blind. At first, it was terrifying and awkward when it began.”
Having learned from my past mistakes, I’ve come to realize that pride has often led me down a path of self-destruction. I found myself in countless difficult situations simply because I refused to ask for help when I needed it. This stubbornness has left me feeling like an outsider, always playing catch-up and never quite on the same level as those around me.
The Liverpudlian star gradually lost his sight between the ages of 16 and 21.
In simpler terms, Retinitis Pigmentosa affects the part of the eye known as the retina, which is where our vision’s light sensitivity lies.
Earlier on, he elaborated on his condition of blindness. The common reaction is, “When exactly did you lose your sight?” It’s challenging for him to pinpoint the time because as his vision gradually worsened, he stopped being able to perform various tasks at different junctures.
As a lifestyle expert, I understand your concerns about vision changes. It’s not uncommon for our eyes to struggle with seeing clearly in various lighting conditions as we age. For instance, you might find it harder to see in dim light, such as at dusk or in a dark room, or have trouble distinguishing colors, reading small print, or even viewing digital screens for extended periods. These issues can manifest themselves differently and at different times, but rest assured, there are strategies and solutions available to help maintain optimal vision health. It’s always important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
During those formative years spanning approximately from age sixteen to twenty-one, roughly about five years, is when the majority of my most valuable growth and learning occurred.
On the NHS site, it’s clarified that individuals affected by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) experience vision loss due to a gradual weakening over time of the light-detecting cells in the retina.
The retina, when viewed through an eye examination, often has a dark color due to a common pigment.
During the interview for the show, he expressed that while he is blind, he doesn’t perceive darkness. Instead, he continues to sense light and surroundings, focusing more on the layout of the space around him rather than specific objects or items within it, such as whether there could be something blocking his path ahead.
As a lifestyle connoisseur, I often find myself grappling with the realization that my iPhone holds an undeniable grip over me, much like many others. Though intellectually, I might assert that I should excel in every aspect of life, there’s one area where I need to strike a more practical balance. It’s the stark reminder that when I hand over control to this device, it’s taking something valuable from me – my focus, my attention, and sometimes even my peace of mind.
As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can’t help but express my anticipation for witnessing the pace at which others reach this particular milestone. For a brief moment, it will be invigorating to find myself in the prime of physical fitness. Such an opportunity doesn’t come around frequently.
For more than twenty years, Chris has been known as a comedian, frequently appearing on leading comedy programs such as Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You?, QI, The Last Leg, and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Apart from being a TV personality, this individual has also shared the screen with his comedy companion Donna Preston on Celebrity Gogglebox, and made an appearance in an episode of EastEnders too.
He also has his very own morning chat show The Chris McCausland Show, which debuted on ITV in June
For younger viewers, Chris is also known for his role as Rudy in CBeebies series Me Too!
Originally from the small village of West Derby, within the city of Liverpool, Chris initially pursued a career in web development. As his eyesight weakened over time, he transitioned into sales. Simultaneously, he embarked on his journey in stand-up comedy.
Following his debut in comedy at a new act comedy night back in 2003, he swiftly earned notice for his wit upon winning the Jongleurs J2O Last Laugh contest. Subsequently, he garnered recognition in additional competitions.
In a short span of time, his professional journey experienced rapid growth. This led to a seven-year engagement at the Edinburgh Fringe and a performance on Live At The Apollo in 2018. Since then, he has made multiple television appearances.
Chris shares a ten-year-old daughter Sophie with wife Patricia. The family live in Surbiton.
On Monday, it was announced that Chris will be one of the celebrities participating in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Other notable names confirmed for the show are Sayne Ward, Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, and Toyah Willcox.
The comedian expressed about his upcoming project, “If anyone is wondering – How on earth is he going to pull this off? – well, let me tell you, I’m asking myself the very same question.”
As a seasoned individual who has spent decades navigating through the labyrinth of life, I have come to learn that uncertainty is the only certainty in this world. The sentence you provided, though seemingly straightforward, contains a multitude of potential pitfalls and challenges that one might encounter when it comes to dancing.
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2024-08-09 19:20