Strictly winner Chris McCausland: 'The standout moment of 2024? Jürgen Klopp leaving Liverpool'

The past year has been full of ups and downs for everyone, but for comedian and Strictly star Chris McCausland, the departure of Jürgen Klopp from his beloved Liverpool FC was a particularly sore moment.

Luckily, he was cheered up by festive family ice-skating trips, performing on Strictly, and the prospect of seeing Pearl Jam perform live.

So what else does 2024 Strictly winner Chris McCausland have in store for the festive season? We find out as part of our My Big Year series.

BIG ISSUE: What has been the standout moment of 2024? 

CHRIS MCCAUSLAND: Jürgen Klopp leaving Liverpool. I’m a massive Liverpool fan, and Klopp’s tenure at Anfield has been one of the most thrilling rides as a fan. It wasn’t always about winning. It was about the nights and the moments that we’ve had, against the odds, the finals, the way he identified with the city, politically, socially. And it’s been such a ride. Then for his farewell speech on the pitch, to have more people watching it on Sky than Man City lifting the cup? And I’m quite liking the fella that’s come in [Arne Slot]. But Klopp inherited a clapped-out Sierra, whereas this fella inherited a Mercedes S Class. 

Are you more or less hopeful than at the start of 2024? 

Personally and selfishly, I am more hopeful. Strictly has been good for me. It’s been good for me internally, in my own head. And it’s been good for me in terms of profile and people wanting to come and watch me on tour. In terms of the country? It’s nice to have a change in government. And it does feel like there’s changes afoot. In terms of looking outwardly, it’s a shitshow, isn’t it? And it just seems to be deteriorating rapidly. So I try and focus on where we live as much as possible and just hope for the best when it comes to everything else. 

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Did you get Oasis tickets? 

No. Growing up, I was very much into Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and all the American rock-metal. And I didn’t get on board the indie train at all. I appreciate them for what they are. And the older I get, the more open I get to other music. Every time Pearl Jam come over, though, I’ll be the first one buying tickets. 

What is the oddest family Christmas tradition you keep? 

Well, we go ice skating. I always stand at the side and my wife and kid do the ice skating. So I stay on the side with my iPhone and take photographs whenever I think they’re going past. Then my wife has to quickly come around and delete all the photographs of other people’s children so that I don’t get in trouble. I usually get about 40 photographs and there’s five or six we can keep. 

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