Top comedian lands his own ITV1 series after ‘signing up’ to Strictly Come Dancing
AN interactive chat show featuring a popular comedian is set to launch later this month.
In March, ITV ordered The Chris McCausland Show, an 11 part series for its Saturday morning schedule, and it will launch on June 29.
Chris McCausland, 46, has grown in popularity through appearances on various panel shows.
Viewers have seen the comic on Would I Lie To You?, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Scared of the Dark, to name a few.
From Saturday Kitchen producers Cactus TV, the chat show format will see the blind comedian meet celebrity guests and host interactive games.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter when the commission was announced, Chris wrote: “I am delighted to announce that I will be taking over the @ITV Saturday morning breakfast slot for 11 weeks over the summer.
“I am really excited about this, although I can’t do autocue and I don’t know where the cameras are – What can possibly go wrong.”
The show’s imminent debut comes amid reports of Strictly Come Dancing signing up Chris for its latest series.
The Sun previously told how the hit BBC dance competition had cast Chris as the show’s first-ever blind contestant.
It would follow deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was starring on EastEnders at the time, going on to win the coveted glitterball trophy in 2021.
A source previously told The Sun: “Strictly Come Dancing bosses are delighted by the signing and think Chris will be great on the show.
“He has a hilarious sense of humour and an infectious personality.
“Producers are really keen to showcase disability on TV and are conscious of how important it is.
“Chris loves working and doing TV so it’s the perfect project. Chris has spoken openly of his sight issues and is determined to show it won’t hold him back on the ballroom dance floor.”
Earlier in his career, Chris had a role as ‘Rudi’, a fruit and veg trader, in the CBeebies live-action educational series Me Too!
As it happened, of the show’s directors was Andrew Agnew, who played the iconic role of PC Plum in Balamory.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
Meanwhile, TV star Chris is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, which causes poor vision in dim light.
Before starting to perform stand-up comedy in 2003, his previous jobs included stints in sales and as a web developer.
Time will tell if Chris ends up waltzing his way on to the Strictly ballroom.
The Chris McCausland Show debuts at 8.25am on Saturday June 29 on ITV1.