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Keep Laughing: The Autobiography
Brought to you by Penguin.
Strictly star Chris McCausland was a successful stand-up, actor, TV presenter and panel show favourite long before he danced into the hearts of the nation with his ground-breaking performances on the BBC’s biggest show.
After growing up in Liverpool and studying software engineering at Kingston University, Chris lost his sight at the age of twenty-two. Forced to rethink his career plans, he worked in sales before applying for a job as a spy at MI5. But, following an appearance at an open mic night in 2003, he turned his hand to stand-up. National Security’s loss was comedy’s gain. And he promises that his book ‘will be really funny’.
Strictly star Chris McCausland was a successful stand-up, actor, TV presenter and panel show favourite long before he danced into the hearts of the nation with his ground-breaking performances on the BBC’s biggest show.
After growing up in Liverpool and studying software engineering at Kingston University, Chris lost his sight at the age of twenty-two. Forced to rethink his career plans, he worked in sales before applying for a job as a spy at MI5. But, following an appearance at an open mic night in 2003, he turned his hand to stand-up. National Security’s loss was comedy’s gain. And he promises that his book ‘will be really funny’.
11 pages, Audible Audio
Published October 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 14, 2026
Very entertaining, funny and inspiring. Loved the little additions Chris made when reading the audiobook
June 10, 2026
It took me a while to get into this audio book, but by the end I was hooked and wanted more. In his pre-standup years, partially sighted Chris McCausland could most positively be described as a ‘lad’. His life revolved around alcohol football and music. He did quite well academically (though was probably a nightmare to teach), but as partial-sightedness turned into full-scale blindness, he was unable to use any of his qualifications to get a job.
He found unemployment very depressing. People he would meet would always ask: ‘where are you from?’ – easy: Liverpool, ‘what do you do?’ - ???. It was as if he no longer had a full identity. Finding a job in a call centre was life-changing. And – together with one of his new colleagues – he first tried stand-up and never looked back.
Once his journey into being a full time comedian began, I started to really enjoy the book. Although he does use stories about his blindness in his routines, it is not his main focus. Chris McCausland wants to be seen as a comedian, who happens to be blind, rather than a blind comedian. There is much more to him than his disability.
The last section of the book dealt with his time on Strictly (‘Dancing with the Stars’ in USA). Despite not being able to see – either his partner, the room, or what the dances should look like – he won!!! It was a very emotional TV programme, and also in the book. His success mirrored that of deaf actress Rose Aisling-Ellis two years before. She also had to overcome so much – but Chris McCausland’s win was even more incredible. I was an emotional wreck by this point in the book.
I found his comments on dealing with progressive blindness really interesting. From trying to deny that it was worsening, to the necessary acceptance when it became too dangerous to pretend that he still had some sight. Wondering whether it was easier to be born blind, suddenly lose your sight in an accident, or – like him – to lose it over decades, always knowing that would be the outcome. Each situation requires different coping strategies.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in biographies, dealing with physical disability, or comedians.
He found unemployment very depressing. People he would meet would always ask: ‘where are you from?’ – easy: Liverpool, ‘what do you do?’ - ???. It was as if he no longer had a full identity. Finding a job in a call centre was life-changing. And – together with one of his new colleagues – he first tried stand-up and never looked back.
Once his journey into being a full time comedian began, I started to really enjoy the book. Although he does use stories about his blindness in his routines, it is not his main focus. Chris McCausland wants to be seen as a comedian, who happens to be blind, rather than a blind comedian. There is much more to him than his disability.
The last section of the book dealt with his time on Strictly (‘Dancing with the Stars’ in USA). Despite not being able to see – either his partner, the room, or what the dances should look like – he won!!! It was a very emotional TV programme, and also in the book. His success mirrored that of deaf actress Rose Aisling-Ellis two years before. She also had to overcome so much – but Chris McCausland’s win was even more incredible. I was an emotional wreck by this point in the book.
I found his comments on dealing with progressive blindness really interesting. From trying to deny that it was worsening, to the necessary acceptance when it became too dangerous to pretend that he still had some sight. Wondering whether it was easier to be born blind, suddenly lose your sight in an accident, or – like him – to lose it over decades, always knowing that would be the outcome. Each situation requires different coping strategies.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in biographies, dealing with physical disability, or comedians.
June 17, 2026
All in all the best autobiography I’ve read. Made me laugh and cry more than I thought a book could
May 14, 2026
I worked with Chris during his six month charity volunteering stint. He was good company with a proper dry sense of humour so I’m not surprised he ended up being a star comedian and I’m super pleased for him.
There were only about five of us in the office so it could well have been me that said either ‘Holy Shit’ or ‘Oh my God’ on 9/11 before we were all evacuated. I guess that’s my claim to fame.
I loved hearing about the journey, loved the story, laughed loads and, my word, I don’t even watch Strictly but hearing him describe his daughter’s reaction to his first dance had me in floods.
Well done Chris. What a career, with more to come I’m sure, and what a book. You’ve absolutely smashed it.
There were only about five of us in the office so it could well have been me that said either ‘Holy Shit’ or ‘Oh my God’ on 9/11 before we were all evacuated. I guess that’s my claim to fame.
I loved hearing about the journey, loved the story, laughed loads and, my word, I don’t even watch Strictly but hearing him describe his daughter’s reaction to his first dance had me in floods.
Well done Chris. What a career, with more to come I’m sure, and what a book. You’ve absolutely smashed it.
January 24, 2026
I really enjoyed this! Listened to the audiobook which was Chris reading so that was great.
A really positive book. Great to hear about his experiences being blind and about making it in stand up.
A really positive book. Great to hear about his experiences being blind and about making it in stand up.
October 24, 2025
I've always liked Chris McCausland. I remember the first time I ever saw him on screen. On a BBC episode of Moving On called Blind. I thought he was brilliant in that role and never forgot the story nor his performance.
I also admired what he brought to the Channel 4 Scared of the Dark series.
He has always been someone who has never taken a backwards step. To challenge himself and show what he is truly capable of. Irrelevant of his blindness.
A proper champion.
I also admired what he brought to the Channel 4 Scared of the Dark series.
He has always been someone who has never taken a backwards step. To challenge himself and show what he is truly capable of. Irrelevant of his blindness.
A proper champion.
June 22, 2026
Whilst it is (as Chris admits) a little Strictly heavy towards the end and I enjoyed this far less than the rest of the book, he does a great job of describing what the experience meant to him and as a result justifies the weighting. Up to that point, a really enjoyable and funny memoir that's full of warmth. His ongoing play fight with the legal department throughout the book regarding what he'll be allowed to say is a very enjoyable theme and the anecdote about his job interview is my personal highlight.
October 29, 2025
The book is all of what Chris is - funny, vulnerable, thoughtful and thought provoking , in all outstanding and inspiring
February 1, 2026
Very funny, and sheds light on the Strictly experience if that’s the kind of thing you love!
February 6, 2026
You can be blind and read
October 14, 2025
Yep. Audiobook book was equally hilarious and tear jerking.
November 23, 2025
Not a strictly fan but was impressed seeing Chris’s performances when they went viral. A really enjoyable and insightful listen discussing sight loss and the challenges of getting into comedy professionally.
December 18, 2025
I'm not really a strictly fan so didn't even see Chris' performances and I was expecting the book to be more Strictly heavy but to be fair he doesn't talk about it properly until 370 pages in! What a fantastic journey this Scouse comedian has been on, degenerative blindness meant he had some vision which worsened until the age of 22 but he talks about his hilarious tales that this got him in some sticky situations as he was reluctant to admit how bad it had become. Completed a degree in computing before deciding to have a go at stand up comedy and has done hundreds of performances with his first TV appearance being Live at the Apollo back in January 2018. A fellow Liverpool fan who talks about the difficulties raising his daughter from struggling to reading her a story to having to take 300 photos of her ice skating just to hope there's a decent picture. This story really makes you appreciate of all you have and just how much we take little things for granted. Very humourous which you'd expect but educational too.
February 24, 2026
This is an insanely funny, immensely entertaining, and deeply moving memoir. McCausland relates his gradual sight loss through a series of hilarious vignettes throughout his life (all of which would be perfect WILTY fodder) that had me snorting with laughter.
There is no ‘pity me’ stuff here when it comes to relating his disability. Rather, Chris charts how he grows into his own skin and flourished once he fully embraces his blindness. There’s plenty to love here about rising through the stand-up circuit ranks, his television and radio work, and, of course, his Strictly journey. The book remains funny throughout but does end on an emotionally poignant note without crossing into maudlin territory.
A top-notch comedy and entertainment memoir. It will make you laugh, and there’s a lot to inspire fellow folks with sight impairments or other disabilities. Highly recommended!
There is no ‘pity me’ stuff here when it comes to relating his disability. Rather, Chris charts how he grows into his own skin and flourished once he fully embraces his blindness. There’s plenty to love here about rising through the stand-up circuit ranks, his television and radio work, and, of course, his Strictly journey. The book remains funny throughout but does end on an emotionally poignant note without crossing into maudlin territory.
A top-notch comedy and entertainment memoir. It will make you laugh, and there’s a lot to inspire fellow folks with sight impairments or other disabilities. Highly recommended!
May 9, 2026
I’ve seen Chris McCausland on various panel shows and he makes me laugh so I thought I’d listen to the audiobook. I’m not a Strictly fan but I felt he mentioned it just enough to satisfy those who are Strictly fans.
Chris regales us with tales from his childhood and what it was like growing up while losing your sight. He focuses on the funny stories and has a positive outlook, but doesn’t shy away from the realities of the difficulties and barriers he faced. It’s inspiring yet light hearted and he comes across as a funny and genuine guy who isn’t defined by his blindness.
His narration is great and I feel it added to the book with him narrating rather than someone else but I’m not sure how the logistics worked of him narrating his book.
If you like Chris either from his comedy or his stint on Strictly this is well worth a read.
Chris regales us with tales from his childhood and what it was like growing up while losing your sight. He focuses on the funny stories and has a positive outlook, but doesn’t shy away from the realities of the difficulties and barriers he faced. It’s inspiring yet light hearted and he comes across as a funny and genuine guy who isn’t defined by his blindness.
His narration is great and I feel it added to the book with him narrating rather than someone else but I’m not sure how the logistics worked of him narrating his book.
If you like Chris either from his comedy or his stint on Strictly this is well worth a read.
June 13, 2026
I didn't know much about Chris McCausland before picking this up other than seeing a few of his appearances on BBC comedy shows. It turns out this was well worth reading. It was of course funny but also really quite interesting, from the story and challenges of losing his sight to the hard work it took to make it in the comedy world. There were a couple of strong themes for me. Firstly, necessity being the mother of invention and how his experiences of visual impairment and ADHD really forged his pathway. It struck me how hard and meticulous he was in his preparation which obviously came off spectacularly as his career developed. The other theme I loved was his friendships and how supportive his network of friends have been throughout his life. The writing wasn't lyrical but the warmth and laughs made up for it.
June 30, 2026
I love a book that makes me laugh out loud, and Keep Laughing did exactly that. Chris McCausland had me laughing from beginning to end, and it was exactly the pick-me-up I needed.
I can’t imagine gradually losing my sight over 20 years and eventually becoming completely blind, but Chris shares his journey with such honesty, humour, and positivity. He explains the challenges he has faced while showing that life doesn’t stop—it simply finds a different path. His outlook on life is inspiring, and his ability to find humour in everyday situations is truly remarkable.
Hearing more about his life, family, career, and his experience on Strictly Come Dancing made the book even more enjoyable. It’s an uplifting, funny, and heartfelt memoir that left me smiling long after I finished it.
I can’t imagine gradually losing my sight over 20 years and eventually becoming completely blind, but Chris shares his journey with such honesty, humour, and positivity. He explains the challenges he has faced while showing that life doesn’t stop—it simply finds a different path. His outlook on life is inspiring, and his ability to find humour in everyday situations is truly remarkable.
Hearing more about his life, family, career, and his experience on Strictly Come Dancing made the book even more enjoyable. It’s an uplifting, funny, and heartfelt memoir that left me smiling long after I finished it.
April 22, 2026
Bookshelf read 📚
I don't normally review biographies because they aren't a story, they're someone's life but I absolutely loved this book!! I'm so glad I found it in a local charity shop because it was a brilliant read. I listened to it as well and being read by Chris himself made it even better.
I didn't know Chris before Strictly but I found the story of his earlier life fascinating too. I love his humour, I love how he wants to represent disability/blindness and I love, love, loved him on Strictly 🪩
I don't normally review biographies because they aren't a story, they're someone's life but I absolutely loved this book!! I'm so glad I found it in a local charity shop because it was a brilliant read. I listened to it as well and being read by Chris himself made it even better.
I didn't know Chris before Strictly but I found the story of his earlier life fascinating too. I love his humour, I love how he wants to represent disability/blindness and I love, love, loved him on Strictly 🪩
November 24, 2025
I found this a real mix of a book. On the one hand there is no doubt that the writer's life journey from going progressively blind, a career in stand up comedy and his success in Strictly Come Dancing against all the odds are inspiring ; however, despite Chris being a comedian I found the book very unfunny . I did not like the style of writing or the regular repetition of what were pretty jokes . Disappointing.
December 9, 2025
The author tales us through his life. How he gradually loses his sight as he goes through education, employment, stand up, TV work which reaches its peak wuth him winning Strickly Come Dancing. This was a surprise as I have never watched the show.
The message the author gives is positivity towards disability in that a disabled person can do meaningful things if givern the opportunity, tools and encouragement wothout being condescending.
A humerous book that is full of hope.
The message the author gives is positivity towards disability in that a disabled person can do meaningful things if givern the opportunity, tools and encouragement wothout being condescending.
A humerous book that is full of hope.
February 17, 2026
I loved reading his book -he writes with wit, with wisdom , with heart felt pride over his achievements.
He cries at the end when he Becomes the Fisrt contestant with a Visual Impairment to win Strickly Come Dancing .
He won on merit ,sheer hard work and strong determination to show to himself he could do it.
If you think your beaten -get up off the floor and show yourself something good .
He cries at the end when he Becomes the Fisrt contestant with a Visual Impairment to win Strickly Come Dancing .
He won on merit ,sheer hard work and strong determination to show to himself he could do it.
If you think your beaten -get up off the floor and show yourself something good .
April 15, 2026
Chris tells of growing up with losing his eyesight, the antics and friends he made during the childhood period which stood him up to be the stand up that is loved today, he always is positive about the loss of eyesight and the book is never depressing as he is always so positive, telling of living on almost no money before taking a chance at an open mic night andnot looking back
A really great read
A really great read
June 4, 2026
A thought-provoking, moving and funny account into an incredible life. I love Chris’ comedy but this gave me such an insight into losing your sight and how it feels to navigate life as a blind person in a “sighted” world. Chris is such a likeable and inspiring person, I listened to the audiobook read by him and it added a warmth and authenticity that I may have missed if I’d read it in paper form.
December 23, 2025
This was absolutely hilarious and inspiring! The way he shared his journey into blindness was so engaging. Seriously, it's mind-blowing to see all the incredible things he's achieved. He makes it all seem so natural and uplifting. Definitely a must-read if you need a good laugh and some motivation.
January 1, 2026
Chris McCausland is a delightful human. I love watching him on Would I Lie to You, and it was so fun to hear him reading his own story. I'll admit I didn't listen to the entire thing, but that was solely because it had a little too much swearing for my sensitive ears. But other than that, I would highly recommend it!
January 10, 2026
what a fantastic read, Chris is a wonderful man and thus book was so eloquently written, it was a really emotional read, I cried several times especially at the end, he was Amazing on strictly and reading about it was such a pleasure, what a beautiful book, one of the best top 3 books I have ever read, Thank you Chrus for sharing x
January 20, 2026
I am quoting someone else who summed it up.
'This was absolutely hilarious and inspiring! The way he shared his journey into blindness was so engaging. Seriously, it's mind-blowing to see all the incredible things he's achieved. He makes it all seem so natural and uplifting. Definitely a must-read if you need a good laugh and some motivation.'
thanks Debbie
'This was absolutely hilarious and inspiring! The way he shared his journey into blindness was so engaging. Seriously, it's mind-blowing to see all the incredible things he's achieved. He makes it all seem so natural and uplifting. Definitely a must-read if you need a good laugh and some motivation.'
thanks Debbie
January 27, 2026
Honest, funny, and interesting. Great insight into Chris’ life from childhood and dealing with going blind, through to forging a standup career and winning strictly. What an inspirational guy. I did not actually know he started in standup before his starring role in Me Too. He will always be Rudi the market seller / Jack’s dad to me.
January 7, 2026
Blooming brilliant autobiography - funny, emotional and really well written
Blooming brilliant autobiography - funny, emotional and really well written, giving the reader an insight into life as a standup comedian and blindness. Highly recommend.
Blooming brilliant autobiography - funny, emotional and really well written, giving the reader an insight into life as a standup comedian and blindness. Highly recommend.
January 27, 2026
A great read and an insight into how Chris has tackled dealing with his blindness and how he overcame many issues into his successful career as a stand up comedian and of course his journey on Strictly Come Dancing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews