Gráinne Seoige has said allowing herself to "let go" is the single greatest lesson she learnt while appearing on Dancing with the Stars.
Reflecting on her time on the show after being eliminated during Sunday night's episode, the TV presenter said she was "so proud" of her journey over the past few months, which culminated in a dance-off against top-scorer Jordan Conroy.
Asked what her proudest achievement has been, she said: "Being able to let go and know there's half a million people watching you and do it anyway.
"They say 'dance like no one is watching', well dancing like no one is watching even though you know the country is watching is a little bit more difficult!
"It definitely took me a while to get my head around it but I certainly did."
Her professional dance partner John Nolan agreed with her, saying: "That was the biggest difference I saw in Gráinne. From the start she was so inwards and 'scarlet' as they say.
"To put yourself out there and to go shake it all about on national telly is not easy, especially for people who've never danced. Each week the layers came off."
Seoige said she's got "a friend for life" in Nolan.
"I've had the best time I've had in years and we're a really close group and we're going to stay in touch and John's a friend for life," she said.
"It's just been a wonderful experience, I can't say enough about it. Unless you go through it you mightn't really understand it, but it is such a great thing to do for yourself.
"I really feel like I went out on a high. I know I did my very best and that is all that you can do."
When asked if she thought she might making a return to Irish TV screens, the broadcaster said: "Look, did I think last year I would be dancing on TV in a skirt that wasn't even half way to my knee with fringing on it? No I didn't!
"But you never know what is going to happen. Life is like that. Who knows what's in store?"
When asked if the hard work over the past number of weeks has been worth it, she said: "It's worth every single second, I would do it all again tomorrow. It's just been the most special experience.
"Coming after two years stuck at home to just get out and be part of something so joyful and moving and sparkly. It really has been just amazing."
However, the TV star is looking forward to a return to normality.
"I'm looking forward to spending time with my husband again because I've had a TV husband for the past few weeks. That'll be nice!", she laughed.
Dancing with the Stars continues on Sunday at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
