Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe · Keep It Light Media / Spotify Studios

S11 EP17: Chris McCausland (The Return)

·58 min·5 clips

Chris McCausland reveals how a simple hug after dancing to Metallica made him fall apart on live TV.

This episode of Parenting Hell features hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe interviewing comedian and "Strictly Come Dancing" star Chris McCausland. McCausland discusses his career transformation, family life, and the unique challenges of touring as a blind performer. The conversation covers his recent tour strategy, the emotional impact of "Strictly," and his new autobiography. McCausland explains his current tour method of staying in one Scottish hotel for eight days and "spidering out" to gigs to avoid constant packing. He details performing three shows in a single day, learning to conserve energy by not "blowing his loads" during matinee performances. The hosts compare his touring schedule to Jimmy Carr's, with McCausland recalling Carr needing to catch a train to Bristol for a 7 p.m. show after a London recording. McCausland reflects on how "Strictly Come Dancing" dramatically expanded his fan demographic from ages 35-65 to include families and younger viewers. He describes the overwhelming emotion of the live shows, where studio audience reactions felt like "winning goals have been scored at Wembley." A surprising insight is McCausland's admission that he initially avoided disability-focused TV offers, rejecting concepts like a sketch show once pitched as "Raspberry Ripple." He shares that his 12-year-old daughter initially advised against doing "Strictly," worried he would "fall off the stage and break your leg." McCausland reveals his father was too nervous to watch the dances live for the first two months, retreating to the kitchen until his mother confirmed it was safe. He wrote a 130,000-word autobiography in six months, often dictating into a beanbag tray while traveling between tour dates. The tone is relaxed, humorous, and candid, with the hosts and guest sharing personal anecdotes in a conversational style. Listeners who enjoy stories of career pivots, behind-the-scenes entertainment industry details, and heartfelt parenting moments will love this episode. Those seeking purely child-rearing advice or uninterested in the mechanics of comedy touring might find less to hold their attention.

As heard by us

Baby talk, a delayed listener note, and Chris McCausland bringing feeling and perspective.

The episode starts with a small family joke: a baby trying out Rob and Josh's names, a mum-dad turn, and a quick aside about who was really being applauded.

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Why you'd press play

Baby names, late emails, and Chris McCausland getting unexpectedly raw.

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