Big Fat Quiz of the Year viewers criticized the “awkward” format as they claimed Channel 4 failed to make the show accessible to Chris McCausland.
The blind comedian, 47, who has just won Strictly Come Dancing, appeared as a panelist on the annual competition – but some fans were left disappointed.
The quiz show is hosted by Jimmy Carr and celebrities competed in pairs to test their knowledge on the biggest news, sports and pop culture moments of the year.
However, viewers who tuned in to the show claimed that Chris was at a disadvantage compared to the other contestants.
Chris was paired with Maisie Adam and they competed against Richard Ayoade, Katherine Ryan, Rob Beckett and Judi Love.
During the episode, several questions required the contestants to look at photographs and videos to answer the questions.
Big Fat Quiz of the Year viewers criticized the “awkward” format as they claimed Channel 4 failed to make the show accessible to Chris McCausland.
The blind comedian, 47, who has just won Strictly Come Dancing, appeared as a panelist on the annual competition – but some fans were left disappointed.
The footage had to be described to Chris by his teammate Maisie, which viewers felt put him at an unfair disadvantage in the competition.
At one point, host Jimmy even commented on how unfair the picture round was, saying: “We’re about to have what I can only describe as a very insensitive round, Chris… it’s time to Say What You See.”
Rob Beckett joked: “Just don’t write anything and you’ll get points.”
But despite not being able to see the visual cues, Chris was the first celebrity guest to correctly guess the picture round, with his teammate Maisie being “his eyes” during the round.
Despite not being able to see the visual cues, Chris was the first contestant to correctly guess the image after Maisie described it to him.
While Chris didn’t seem to mind the disadvantage, viewers complained about the lack of inclusion and shared their thoughts on X.
They said: ‘The further the Big Pageant of the Year goes on, the more evident it is that there have been no accommodations for Chris and he is becoming increasingly uncomfortable’;
‘Big Fat Quiz of the year appearing by invi. including Chris McCausland as a panelist and then not giving him a proper audio description or adjusting the questionnaire to be inclusive… clearly showing at least the difference between diversity and inclusion’;
The quiz show is hosted by Jimmy Carr and celebrities competed in pairs to test their knowledge on the biggest news, sports and pop culture moments of the year.
While Chris didn’t seem to mind the disadvantage, viewers complained about the lack of inclusion and shared their thoughts on X.
Chris and his professional dance partner Dianne Buswell were crowned 2024 Strict Champions
‘Anyone else watching Big Fat Quiz and wondering why it’s so inaccessible to Chris? They could have made minor changes to the format (like fewer picture questions) and it wouldn’t even be noticeable; it is more notable that he is struggling to participate;
‘Chris is showing how isolating it can be to be a disabled person in a group of people who are not yet disabled. Like if you’re hard of hearing in a big group, you’re left out a little bit because you can’t see the visual cues.’
‘I really think Chris should have been given an audio description as it’s really showing how isolating it can be for a blind or visually impaired person without aids to help them. I really feel so sorry for him!’
“Pretty uncomfortable with how little Big Fat Quiz has been adapted for Chris”; Big Fat Quiz mystery guest of the year Chris McCausland says “nodding my head doesn’t really help me,” only for Jimmy to dismiss him by saying “but it helps everyone else.” There’s no point in having someone with a disability in a program if you don’t make it completely accessible.”
‘Channel 4 really got it wrong with what appears to be a complete failure to make this accessible to Chris. Why invite a disabled panelist if you are not going to make the necessary adaptations to the format?
MailOnline has contacted Channel 4 for comment.
Chris and his partner Maisie came last in the test, which was won by Rob and Judie with a score of 45, followed by Richard and Katherine with 41, and Maisie and Chris with 40.