Chris McCausland on breaking barriers, glitterball glory, and laughing through life

Chris McCausland on breaking barriers, glitterball glory, and laughing through life

Author: Kate Thornton April 18, 2025 Duration: 1:08:43

Joining us today is one of the UK’s most loved comedians, and our reigning Strictly champion, whose journey is as inspiring as it is hilarious — it’s the brilliant Chris McCausland!


In this episode, Chris opens up about the challenges and triumphs of navigating life without sight, from losing his vision in his early twenties to becoming one of the country’s most in-demand stand-up comics. He shares how a sick day in 2003 unexpectedly launched his comedy career, why authentic representation on TV really matters, and how he’s used humour to challenge stereotypes and shift perceptions. He also reflects on the life-changing experience of winning Strictly Come Dancing, speaking candidly about the emotional toll, the physical intensity, and the unexpected pride he found in lifting the glitterball trophy.


Beyond the stage and screen, Chris chats about fatherhood, the role of technology and AI in transforming his everyday life, and how writing his upcoming memoir has helped him look back on his journey with fresh perspective and deep gratitude.


Chris's debut memoir is out this October and available to pre-order now. You can also buy tickets to his nationwide stand-up tour, Yonks, here. Plus, you can listen to his new podcast with Strictly partner Dianne Buswell, Winning Isn’t Everything, wherever you get your podcasts!


For all the latest news, click here to follow us on Instagram!


***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


There’s a particular kind of conversation that happens after a glass or two of wine, where guards come down and real stories emerge. That’s the atmosphere White Wine Question Time captures so perfectly. Hosted by Kate Thornton, each episode gathers well-known friends for a relaxed yet revealing chat, structured around three thoughtful questions and, of course, a shared bottle. What unfolds is less a formal interview and more a glimpse into the genuine friendships behind the public personas. You’ll hear laughter, unexpected confessions, and perspectives on culture, society, and current events that rarely make the headlines. This podcast thrives in the space between entertainment and intimate disclosure, often veering into comedy as these candid discussions unfold. With a vast back catalogue of over 450 episodes, each one feels like pulling up a chair to a fascinating table. Whether you start with the latest release or browse the extensive archive, you’re guaranteed a listen that’s as engaging and relevant as it is genuinely enjoyable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

White Wine Question Time
Podcast Episodes
Something from the Cellar: Emma Barnett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:35
This week, we’re revisiting our fascinating conversation with one of the UK’s most respected journalists and broadcasters – Emma Barnett!In this episode, Emma reflects on her journey to becoming the voice of Woman’s Hour…
Something from the Cellar: Alan Cumming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:53
Fresh from stealing the spotlight as host of this year’s BAFTAs and stirring up drama on The Traitors US, we’re revisiting our brilliant conversation with the endlessly entertaining Alan Cumming.In this episode, Alan ope…
Something from the Cellar: Monty Don [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:31
As the first signs of spring begin to bloom, we’re revisiting our life-affirming conversation with the nation’s favourite gardener: Monty Don!In this uplifting episode, Monty reflects on his remarkable journey from strug…
Amanda Abbington on resilience, reinvention, and choosing joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:47
Joining us today is a fearless and brilliant actress whose career has seen her light up stage and screen in everything from Sherlock to Mr. Selfridge, and whose life off-screen has been just as dramatic, heartbreaking, a…
Something from the Cellar: Mark Bonnar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:21
After last week’s brilliant chat with Stephen Fry, we’re keeping the momentum going by revisiting our conversation with another soon-to-be star of Celebrity Traitors UK, it’s the wonderful Mark Bonnar!In this episode, Ma…
Stephen Fry on passion, privilege, and the power of storytelling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:04
Joining us today is one of the most celebrated thinkers and entertainers of our time – a writer, actor, comedian, and cultural icon whose voice and wit have been part of the fabric of British life for decades. From Black…
Something from the Cellar: Daisy May Cooper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:25
Following last week’s laugh-out-loud revisit with Joe Lycett, we’re celebrating another standout star of Amazon Prime's Last One Laughing, it’s the brilliantly funny Daisy May Cooper!Best known for her BAFTA-winning work…
Something from the Cellar: Joe Lycett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:09
With Last One Laughing currently cracking us up on Amazon Prime, we’re throwing it back to our brilliant chat with one of its standout stars: comedian and TV host Joe Lycett!In this episode, Joe reflects on his journey t…