40 Facts About Chris Mccausland

Early Life and Education

Chris McCausland's journey began in Liverpool and took him to Kingston University, where he pursued a degree in software engineering. His early life set the stage for a career that would later pivot dramatically.

1. Chris McCausland was born in West Derby Village, Liverpool.
2. In 1996, he moved to Surbiton, near Kingston upon Thames, to study at Kingston University.
3. He graduated in 2000 with a BSc Honours in software engineering.

Career Transition and Visual Impairment

Chris's career path changed due to his visual impairment, but he turned this challenge into an opportunity, diving into the world of comedy.

4. After graduating, McCausland worked as a web developer.
5. He had to abandon his career due to his deteriorating eyesight caused by retinitis pigmentosa.
6. McCausland is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic condition that causes the gradual deterioration of the retina.

Stand-Up Comedy Beginnings

Chris found his calling in stand-up comedy, quickly making a name for himself with his unique perspective and humor.

7. McCausland first performed stand-up comedy in July 2003 at a new act comedy night in Balham.
8. Within his first year, he won the Jongleurs J2O Last Laugh competition.
9. He came runner-up in the Laughing Horse New Act of The Year.
10. He placed third in Channel 4's So You Think You're Funny? competition.

Edinburgh Festival and Awards

Chris's talent took him to the Edinburgh Festival and earned him prestigious awards, solidifying his place in the comedy world.

11. Between 2005 and 2012, McCausland took six stand-up shows to the Edinburgh Festival.
12. In 2011, he was awarded the Creative Diversity Award for comedy by a Channel 4-led panel of broadcasters.

Global Performances and BBC Live at the Apollo

Chris's comedy has reached audiences worldwide, and he has made notable appearances on major platforms like BBC's Live at the Apollo.

13. McCausland has performed all over the world, including across Asia and the Middle East.
14. He appeared on the BBC's Live at the Apollo on January 4, 2018.
15. He hosted the show on January 7, 2022.

Television Career Highlights

Chris's television career is diverse, featuring roles in dramas, comedies, and even children's shows.

16. He starred in a national television advert for Barclays promoting their new talking cash machines in 2014.
17. He starred in the Jimmy McGovern drama series Moving On in 2014.
18. In 2012, he appeared in Jimmy Carr's Comedians Special charity episode of Celebrity Deal or No Deal.
19. McCausland appeared in three series of At The Comedy Store for Paramount Comedy and Comedy Central.
20. He featured in BBC One's end of year spoof news review, Unwrapped with Miranda Hart in 2010.
21. In 2011, he appeared in ITV's series Stand-up Hero.
22. McCausland was one of the principal characters in the CBeebies series Me Too!, playing Rudi the market trader.

Recent Television Appearances

Chris continues to make waves on television, appearing on popular shows and reality series.

23. On August 20, 2018, he appeared in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders.
24. On October 18, 2019, he appeared on the BBC comedy panel show Would I Lie to You?.
25. Chris has established himself as a regular panellist on the BBC satirical news show Have I Got News for You.
26. In February 2020, he appeared on an episode of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown on Channel 4.
27. During the show, presenter Jimmy Carr produced blindfolds for the other contestants to try playing without sight.
28. On January 15, 2021, he appeared again on the BBC One show Would I Lie to You?.
29. In July 2022, Channel 4 announced McCausland would present a four-part travelogue series, The Wonders of the World I Can't See.
30. In April 2023, he was a contestant in the Channel 4 reality television series Scared of the Dark.
31. In May 2023, he made another appearance on Have I Got News for You.
32. In December 2023, he was a contestant on Richard Osman's House of Games.
33. In March 2024, he featured in Not Going Out Series 13, Episode 5, "The Train".
34. In August 2024, Chris McCausland was announced as the first celebrity contestant for the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Personal Life and Assistive Technologies

Chris's personal life and the technologies he uses to navigate his world are just as fascinating as his career.

35. Chris McCausland is married to Patricia McCausland, a psychologist.
36. They have been together for 16 years and got married in 2012.
37. McCausland uses various assistive technologies such as electronic video magnifiers, audio text readers, screenreader software, and magnification software.

Touring and Recent Projects

Chris continues to tour and work on new projects, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.

38. Since establishing himself as a successful touring comedian, McCausland has appeared in numerous television shows, advertisements, and celebrity game shows.
39. In 2023, McCausland extended his latest tour, titled “Yonks”, into 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances.
40. Upcoming dates for McCausland’s tour include performances at various venues such as the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on January 19, 2025, the Nottingham Playhouse on January 23, 2025, and the Buxton Opera House on January 24, 2025.

Celebrating Chris McCausland's Journey

Chris McCausland's story is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days in Liverpool to becoming a household name in comedy and television, he's shown that determination and talent can overcome any obstacle. Despite losing his sight to retinitis pigmentosa, Chris has never let it define him. Instead, he's used his unique perspective to bring laughter and awareness to audiences worldwide. His appearances on shows like Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie to You?, and Strictly Come Dancing highlight his versatility and charm. Beyond his professional achievements, Chris's dedication to his family and his advocacy for the blind community make him a true role model. As he continues to tour and entertain, there's no doubt that Chris McCausland will keep breaking barriers and inspiring many.