Amanda Byram says she understands why the Dancing with the Stars judges have to become more critical as the competition advances, and admits she is way more relaxed co-hosting the show the second time around.
Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment, Byram, who co-hosts the show with Nicky Byrne, says the judging panel - Julian Benson, Loraine Barry and Brian Redmond - have to be strict.
"I don't think they are going to be harsher during the second series. I think they have to say the things that they see otherwise the contestants won't learn.
"There's no point on them being nice to them all the way through saying 'you're great, you're great'.
"Unless you are critical, they won't up the ante. I think it's important for them to be honest."
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Byram revealed that she feels more relaxed hosting the show for a second time and says it's thanks to the success of last year's outing.
"It's definitely more relaxing. Last year, we didn't know what the response was going to be. We didn't know if it was going to do well. We didn't know how it was going to be received."
"But, of course, we know now it was received well. This time around, we are able to enjoy it a bit more."
"It just feels like a fun easy day at the office. I'm really enjoying watching the dances because last year we were thinking of it format wise....and this year we could just enjoy it as a spectator," she added.
Next week will see the all 11 celebrities take to the dancefloor as they prepare for the first elimination of the new series.
You can catch Dancing with the Stars on Sunday from 6.30pm on RTÉ One.
To be in with a chance to win tickets to this Sunday's show, click here.
