Strictly semi-finalist Chris McCausland reveals why he initially turned down BBC offer for behind-the-scenes show

Behind-the-scenes rejection

Chris McCausland, a Strictly semi-finalist, recently disclosed that he declined a BBC request for a behind-the-scenes spin-off show that would have closely examined his journey in learning to dance. The 47-year-old comedian explained that he preferred to represent blindness with humor rather than a "sob story."

Overcoming fears and challenges

Despite rejecting previous invitations to participate in such projects, McCausland eventually accepted after friends persuaded him to do so. He discussed his initial reluctance, tour date conflicts, and the decision to move all tour dates to fully commit to the dance competition.

Impact and awareness

McCausland shared that his success on Strictly has led to increased ticket sales for his tour but emphasized that this was not his primary motivation. He highlighted the positive impact on raising awareness about blindness, with schools and charities reaching out to express gratitude for the visibility brought by his participation.

Facing challenges and family support

The comedian revealed that his 11-year-old daughter was also anxious about his involvement in the show but has grown more confident as the competition progressed. Despite facing challenges and being joint second-bottom on the leaderboard, McCausland remains a strong contender to win the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Upcoming projects

In addition to his Strictly journey, McCausland will star in the Christmas film "Bad Tidings" alongside comedian Lee Mack. The film follows a comedic rivalry between neighbors in the week leading up to Christmas and will be available for streaming on Sky and NOW this holiday season.