Chris McCausland fans fiercely defend star over ‘disgusting’ Channel 4 Big Fat Quiz of the Year format choice
Channel 4 has faced criticism over its broadcast of the Big Fat Quiz of the Year after viewers expressed anger about the show’s lack of accessibility for blind comedian Chris McCausland.
The annual quiz show, which aired tonight, featured several visual rounds that proved challenging for McCausland, with his teammate Maisie Adam having to describe images to him throughout the programme.
At one point, host Jimmy Carr even acknowledged the awkwardness of a particular segment, announcing: “We are about to have what I can only describe as a very insensitive round Chris…it’s time for Say What You See.”
The controversy has sparked debate about the show’s format and its failure to adapt for McCausland, who recently won Strictly Come Dancing and has been a prominent figure in British television.
The show featured a star-studded lineup, with Richard Ayoade teaming up with Katherine Ryan, McCausland partnering with Maisie Adam, and Judi Love joining forces with Rob Beckett.
Carr hosted the special quiz event, which tested contestants on their knowledge of the biggest news, sport and pop culture moments of 2024.
Throughout the programme, McCausland’s teammate Adam was required to verbally relay the content of images to him, as many rounds relied heavily on visual elements.
Despite the challenges, McCausland managed to excel in one picture round, becoming the first to guess correctly. This success prompted Carr to declare: “Just so we are clear. You were all beaten by a blind man in this round.”
Ayoade sarcastically commented that he “loved how flexible the format of the show is.”
Viewers took to social media to express their frustration with the show’s format and lack of accommodation for McCausland.
On X, one fan raged: “I thought Channel 4 was the most inclusive disability champion channel but theyre really leaving Chris McCauseland out in the cold here. Far too many visual clues for him to stand a chance. So unfair. Do better! #bigfatquizoftheyear.
“I agree!” a second soon weighed in. “I cant believe how badly theyve formatted it. I really thought they would add audio descriptions to the visual clues for Chris. Almost every question has included a visual clue or joke Chris couldnt join in on, so disappointing.”
Elsewhere, a third hit out: “Chris is demonstrating how isolating it can be when you are a disabled person in a group of not yet disabled people. Like being hearing impaired in a large group, he’s getting somewhat left out because he can’t see the visual cues. #bigfatquizoftheyear.”
“Love this quiz but the lack of help they’ve put in for chris is p***ing me off. why is the mystery guest nodding #bigfatquizoftheyear,” a fourth echoed.
Another argued: “I really think they should have provided Chris with audio descriptions as he’s really demonstrating how isolating it can be for a visually impaired/blind person without aids to help him. Actually feel really sorry for him! #bigfatquizoftheyear.”
And a sixth blasted: “Disgusting @Channel4 think it’s acceptable to bring Chris on and not make the format accessible for him. Whether it was agreed before or not, shows very little care on their behalf. Shocking in this day and age. #BigFatQuizOfTheYear.” (sic)
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Tonight you can catch me on #BigFatQuizOfTheYear on @Channel4 – We filmed this during the semi-final week of strictly so I had already done eight hours of dancing before I got to enjoy this sit down, so tune in to see me looking tired but grateful for the rest.
— Chris McCausland – New tour on sale now! 🎫 (@chrismccausland) December 27, 2024
However, some viewers noted that McCausland likely would have been aware of the show’s format before participating.
McCausland and Adam ultimately finished third in the quiz with 40 points, behind winners Beckett and Love who scored 45 points.
The controversy comes after McCausland’s historic victory on Strictly Come Dancing earlier this month, where he became the first blind contestant to appear on the show.
Speaking to Metro before his Strictly win, McCausland said: “I wanted to be able to represent not just people who are blind but people with a disability in a positive way that was ‘look what is possible’ rather than what is not.”
The 47-year-old comedian, who lost his sight by age 22 due to retinitis pigmentosa, recently told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme he believed there were “low expectations of people with disabilities” and wanted to “stretch people’s ideas of what is possible.”