Actor and comedian Chris McCausland shares how Strictly Come Dancing changed him on this week’s Dish from Waitrose.
Chris joins hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett OBE to talk about food, touring and writing his new book Keeeeeep Laughing, as well as reflecting on his time on Strictly Come Dancing and the impact it had on him.
Speaking about his drink of choice, Chris is clear. “Do you know what? Always still. Sparkling is like somebody sucked all the fun out the lemonade.”
He also declares his love of ginger beer, explaining the rhyme he uses to remember his preference: “Ginger beer, cheer. Ginger ale, fail.”
Food plays a central role in the conversation. Chris admits he has to “police the sausage intake” while on tour and says roast potatoes are the standout element of a Sunday roast.
He also talks about discovering pizza as a student after years of avoiding cheese, calling that first 99p supermarket slice “the most incredible” and buying 10 more the next day.
Italian food remains a favourite, alongside spicy dishes. “If I’m in an Indian restaurant, I usually go for like, I’ll go for a madras,” he says, adding that he opts for extra hot at Nando’s. Creamy meals are less welcome, with mayonnaise described as something that “gets everywhere”.
Beyond food, Chris discusses writing Keeeeeep Laughing and how appearing on Strictly opened him up emotionally.
“Once you’ve cried on the telly in front of 10 million people, you feel a lot less… precious about it,” he says. He describes the live shows as the most terrified he has ever been, but says the experience changed how he sees himself and his work.
He also recalls the surreal moment after his Strictly win, when an Indian restaurant applauded him as he left.
Dish from Waitrose is available now.
