Chris McCausland is an acclaimed comedian, actor and television personality. The performer, 48, made history as the first blind contestant to win the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing alongside his partner Dianne Buswell. But it was not always plain sailing for the comic in the early days of his career. The on-screen star dished on his worst ever gig in an unearthed interview.

Having been used to performing for large crowds he recalled an awkward moment where things didn't exacly go to plan with the audience walking out. Chris had performed at a Christmas Party where he was introduced on stage by an escapologist - an entertainer who specialises in freeing themselves from the confinment of ropes, handcuffs and chains.

"Some years ago I performed at a Christmas party for the RAF Officers Club where I was introduced on to the stage by an escapologist," he told British Comedy Guide.

"For some strange reason the escapologist was hosting the show, and prior to bringing me on stage had spent at least five minutes locked in a box."

Chris went on: "During this time everybody in the room got bored looking at a box and got up and mingled, so by the time he finally freed himself nobody even cared about the show anymore and he introduced me to a room of people who were now having a totally different party.

I kind of just spoke at a wall of noise for fifteen minutes or so."

Despite the mortifying moment, Chris recently dished on the scariest gig he has ever undertaken and you'll be surprised by his response.

He said participating on Strictly had been "the biggest risk" of his career, while eventually lifting the glitterball trophy opposite dancing partner Dianne Buswell was "the biggest reward".

"It was so terrifying and I was so out of my comfort zone - it could have been a total disaster," said McCausland, due to appear at venues across the South East later this month.

He added that the challenge was even more daunting than his gag-cracking live debut at a London pub some two decades ago, before which he "didn't eat for days".