Comic didn't want to 'ruin the magic' of how he learns to dance

Chris McCausland turned down the chance to make a documentary series about how he learned to dance despite being blind.

The comedian has revealed how  he rejected the BBC’s advances about making a behind-the-scenes spin-off show about his appearance on Strictly this year, for fear of spoiling the magic.

Speaking to fellow contestant  Pete Wicks on the Staying Relevant podcast, McCausland said: ‘ Somebody's asked from the BBC to come in and film…  and talk to us about this.

‘I said "no" to it because I think - it's a bit of a naff word - but it kind of ruins the magic a little bit for people to see it on the telly.

‘I'd rather people go "how the hell did they do that?" rather than "That's how they did it then".

McCausland, 47,  and Wicks have both made it to the semi-finals of the Saturday night smash.

The comedian also talked about how he had rejected requests to appear on the show several times before  because he didn’t want to be seen as a novelty act.

He told Wicks:  ‘I kind of acclimatised myself to the idea over a little bit of time. It was an opportunity. If it worked out it would be great for being able to be on the telly and represent in a way. I believe in representation but only if it works.’

The comic also spoke about his new higher profile after being on the show – such as appearing on the Graham Norton Show.

He said he asked fellow guests Nicole Kidman to go for a spaghetti bolognese after the show, adding: ‘It seems that she graciously accepted. She was very enthusiastic about it, but then people ushered her out of the building very quickly at the end before I could get her phone number, so…