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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Tina Campbell

Chris McCausland gives verdict on taking part in Dancing On Ice after becoming first blind Strictly winner

Chris McCausland talks future plans following historic Strictly win - (PA)

Chris McCausland has revealed if another reality TV show could be on the cards following his historic Strictly Come Dancing win.

The 47-year-old comedian - who lost his sight when he was 22 due to hereditary condition Retinitis Pigmentosa - became the first blind contestant to lift the Glitterball trophy last year when he was named the winner alongside professional dance partner Dianne Busswell.

He previously said that his aim in taking part was to “represent” and to “show people that more is possible and everybody can have their moment."

While he swerved the Strictly live tour due to schedule clashes with his own Yonks! stand up shows, everyone is keen to seen what he will do next.

Chris McCausland and professional dance parner Dianne Buswell took home the Glitterball trophy (BBC)

Appearing on this week’s episode of ITV’s The Jonathan Ross show alongside Dancing On Ice judge Motsi Mabuse, chat show host Ross was keen to know if he would fance taking to the ice.

While the Liverpool-born comic admitted to having suffered some injuries during his time on Strictly, including one that “literally ripped me apart from my left arse cheek to my right shoulder”, he felt Dancing On Ice could be pushing it a tad.

He said: “I said on Strictly that you’re capable of more than people think but I didn’t really mean it. Even I've got a line, I would literally be in a double cast within an hour. I do not ice skate.

He also gave a further insight into the intense training he underwent for Strictly, which he described as “relentless”.

Chris McCausland described training for Strictly as ‘relentless’ (PA Media)

He said: “You start like you’re an athlete and you’re not an athlete. It’s eight hours a day, six days a week - it’s relentless. The first few weeks you pick up injuries that relate to the dance you’re doing. The jive - you feel like you’ve been on a mule for a week. The first time you do a bit of ballroom - your knees take it because you’re not used to it. It’s amazing more people don’t get injured permanently on that show.”

Also joining Ross on his sofa are Brian Cox, Christina Hendricks and Snow Patrol.

The Jonathan Ross Show airs Saturday at 21.35pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV player.

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