Keep Laughing: The Autobiography

by Chris McCausland, Elizabeth Smart

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’.

Genres: Audiobook, Comedy, Biography, Nonfiction, Humor

11 pages, Audible Audio

Published October 9, 2025

Reviews

[Kalwinder Dhindsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Keith Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is all of what Chris is - funny, vulnerable, thoughtful and thought provoking , in all outstanding and inspiring

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep. Audiobook book was equally hilarious and tear jerking.

[Bryony Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[David Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for 52 Book Club Challenge 202613) Bookface.

I have really enjoyed Chris' appearances on panel shows like WILTY, HIGNFY etc and was amazed by the sheer speed of his dancing on Strictly so thought this might be an interesting read. You cannot fail to be impressed by the lengths he goes to succeed on shows like Strictly & Countdown. I was also touched by the relationship with his daughter and how they play a listening version of 'I Spy' and squabble about it. He really brings home the difficulties of living with blindness and you have to admire how he grabs opportunities with both hands and runs with them (backwards in a sparkly suit).

[Brian Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Michael Rumney · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Debbie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Samantha Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Janine Howson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Hilary Cockshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Emily Jolliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equal parts hilarious, inspirational and emotional

[Claire Mander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny in places and generally very inspiring

[Julie Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny book from a funny guy. all about his life leading up to his stand-up and culminating in his Strictly win.

[Jess Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both funny and moving, Chris’s approach to life it’s utterly inspirational and I enjoyed every second of this book

[Charlotte Lokko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to Chris's book as I love whenever I've seen him on a show. Really enjoyed hearing his full story and of course lovely hearing it from the author himself.

[Angela Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting, funny and emotional!!

[Mairi Byatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adore this man, and the autobiography is incredible!

[Rebecca Molyneux · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! Absolutely loved this from start to finish. Written with a big dose of humour (obviously) but so much more. This is my first memoir of the year and it will be hard to beat.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to Chris narrate his book (but seriously, it's a true show of who he is, as HOW did he even record this?? I'd honestly love to know!)

It made me laugh out loud and it made me cry, I loved finding out more about his life, his family and his friends and his introduction into comedy. I think it proves how you can tackle most things life throws at you if you have the determination and a strong enough support network.
I really appreciated his comments around accessibility in the workplace and loved finding out how much technology is aiding both this and his daily life (this is coming from someone who is pretty petrified of the rapid development and use of AI, it was nice to hear of the good sides of this too)

I also loved that we had some insight to his Strictly journey at the end, and how surprised he was with how it affected him both mentally and physically.
I'm honestly in awe of him, I love what he represents and he is truly a remarkable man.

[Hannah Kitching · Rating 5 out of 5]

An early strong contender for my favourite memoir of the year! This was so funny but so honest. 10/10 would recommend!

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I learned new things, I cried. I really enjoyed listening to Chris read the audiobook.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

this brought me so much joy