Chris McCausland, the acclaimed British comedian and trailblazing contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, shares his life with his wife Patricia, a woman who prefers to remain mostly out of the spotlight. Their story began during the early stages of Chris’s comedy career, when Patricia was working on a television programme about the Edinburgh Festival. The couple connected over their shared passions and ambitions, and that spark led to a relationship that has endured since 2008.
From Romance to Marriage
In 2012, after four years of dating, Chris proposed in a rather unorthodox yet unforgettable setting – a Pearl Jam concert at Hyde Park. Despite the loud and bustling environment, Patricia said yes, a testament to their unconventional love story. That moment marked the beginning of a married life built on mutual respect, humour, and resilience.
A Glimpse Into Their Daily Life
Patricia, originally from Brazil, is a qualified psychologist who transitioned away from her earlier career in television. Their cultural differences and contrasting preferences often become a source of comedic material for Chris.
Cultural and Climate Clashes
Chris once joked: “As you can imagine, we are very different in terms of our culture, and our biological response to temperature. Whereas my wife will still require a winter coat in 22-degree sunshine, I struggle to function in anything warmer than about 26.”
This playful contrast even inspired one of Chris’s more morbid jokes: “One of us may one day be found dead in the hallway with one arm reaching out towards the thermostat, with the other one of us having skipped the country.”
Family Life and Parenthood
Chris and Patricia have one daughter together, named Sophie. Despite his blindness, Chris is a hands-on parent and shares a deep bond with his daughter. Parenting has presented unique challenges, especially for a visually impaired father, but the couple navigates them as a team.
Chris on Being a Blind Dad
In an interview with Disability Horizons, Chris shared: “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.”
He continued: “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.”
Despite the limitations, Chris brings his characteristic humour into fatherhood, viewing his blindness not as a hindrance, but as just one part of his parenting style.
Chris McCausland’s Journey With Sight Loss
Chris suffers from retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative eye condition that primarily affects low-light vision. He began experiencing vision loss in his university years and lost most of his eyesight in his late teens.
Coming to Terms With RP
“When it started happening, it was scary and embarrassing. I found myself in difficult situations because I was reluctant to ask for help,” he explained.
Chris eventually had to abandon his initial career path in web development due to the lack of accessible technology at the time. He said: “My eyesight deteriorated significantly while I was at university, and the technology available at that time wasn’t advanced enough, so I had to abandon my career path in web development.”
Now, his vision is minimal. “A load of blurry lights is much the same as a load more of blurry lights,” he described.
A Glittering Career Despite Adversity
Chris did not let his condition stop him from carving out a successful career in comedy and television.
Highlights of His Career
- In 2006, he starred in the children’s TV show Me Too! where he showcased his musical talents.
- He went on to appear in comedy staples 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.
- In 2023, he featured in Scared of the Dark and fronted his own show Wonders of the World I Can’t See.
- He is also part of David Mitchell’s Outsiders.
- In 2024, Chris took a monumental step by hosting The Chris McCausland Show on ITV.
- He made history on Strictly Come Dancing as the first blind contestant.
Strictly Come Dancing and Emotional Moments
Chris’s participation in Strictly Come Dancing has been inspirational. Partnered with Dianne Buswell, he reached the quarterfinals despite the physical demands of the competition.
Feeling ‘Left Out’ Despite Inclusion
Despite his groundbreaking role, Chris opened up about a sense of isolation during an Instagram chat with Dianne. “We’re all in the same boat together, but I’ve also never felt so left out at the same time. I’m in it but I’m not in it. I don’t know what anyone else is doing,” he confessed.
His candid words struck a chord with fans, revealing the emotional complexity of being part of an ensemble-based show while navigating a visual disability.
A Loving Support System
Throughout his public career and personal challenges, Patricia has remained a constant source of support. She is understanding of Chris using their family as inspiration for his comedy routines, as long as he keeps it tasteful.
Chris said: “Patricia has been to many shows, but not in quite some time. She is very happy for me to talk about her on stage, just so long as I don’t mention anything too embarrassing.”
Conclusion: Love, Laughter, and Resilience
Chris McCausland and his wife Patricia share a love story filled with humour, mutual respect, and emotional strength. Their journey from a chance meeting to raising a family while navigating the challenges of blindness is both heartwarming and inspiring. While Patricia chooses a life largely away from the limelight, her influence and support are evident in Chris’s life and work.
Their bond, fortified over years of partnership, parenting, and perseverance, continues to show that love and laughter can thrive even in the face of adversity. With Chris’s ongoing success and Patricia’s steady presence, their story serves as a reminder that behind every public figure is often an extraordinary partner playing a vital, if quiet, role.
