Actor and comedian Chris McCausland has reportedly signed up for Strictly Come Dancing in a groundbreaking show first.
The 46-year-old - a familiar face on panel shows including Have I Got News For You and QI - lost his sight aged 22 due to a hereditary condition known as retinitis pigmentosa.
By appearing on the show, McCausland would become Strictly's first ever blind contestant - three years after deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis won the competition.
"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," a source told The Sun.
"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."
A spokesperson for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said: "It's brilliant to see greater representation of people with disabilities on reality shows. In 2021, Rose Ayling-Ellis starred on Strictly Come Dancing, Ron Hall and Tasha Ghouri on Love Island, and Libby Clegg on Dancing on Ice.
"It's a step in the right direction and it's clear the positive impact this representation can have. We hope TV series will continue to diversify their contestants and actors toe challenge misconceptions of those living with a disability."
Other names in the frame for the new series, which begins in September, include Bank of Dave star Dave Fishwick, Olympic legend Laura Kenny, boxer Tommy Fury and The Traitors winner Harry Clark.
Neil Wilkes
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