With the grand final of Dancing with the Stars looming on Sunday night, we caught up with finalist Jordan Conroy to find out how he's feeling, if he's planning to keep up the dancing after the show ends, and who he'd like to see lifting the glitterball trophy (other than himself).
The rugby star has made it to the final four alongside former jockey Nina Carberry, singer-songwriter Erica Cody and Paralympic swimmer Ellen Keane in what is sure to be an electric end to a very strong season.
How are you feeling ahead of the final on Sunday, can you believe you've made it this far?
When I began the show I never thought about wanting to reach the final, but the closer you got to the final the more you wanted to be in it. It felt so good when my name got called out, there was so much hard work put into it and knowing that I had so much support behind me meant so much to me.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learnt over your Dancing with the Stars journey?
Don’t be afraid to look a fool before you become a master! I always wanted to be perfect from the get-go, but I was so afraid of looking stupid doing the dance moves. It’s a life lesson – certain things aren’t going to go your way straight away, you’ve got to work on these things. Also, it made me mentally stronger in a way that I can bring into sports now. There were weeks when the dances weren’t clicking and it was a mental battle, I had to get out of a slump in order to dance. I’ve really learnt a couple of lessons that I have to work through things to get to the end, to be patient.
What has been your favourite moment so far?
Definitely getting my first 30, that Contemporary Ballroom with the lift I will remember. During dedication week I got to open up a side to myself that I haven’t in about 20 years, it was a very emotional week. Opening up about my past life felt so good because I got to share my story. I got a lot of feedback from people who have been in similar situations, women who empathised with my mother because they were also in abusive relationships, and men and boys saying, my mum has been in the same situation. There can be a stigma around men having feelings, I know myself, when I need to cry, I cry. People need to let out their emotions because bottling them up can be toxic.
Has it surprised you what a challenge it's been, mentally and physically?
100%. The physical battle I’m well used to, but the mental aspect of the show was surprising. It was very positive for me, but it was surprising how it brought certain things to me. I’m glad it happened because I don’t think I would have been able to experience these things just through rugby.
What piece of praise or criticism has stuck with you most from the judges?
In the earlier stages of the show there were a couple of things I wanted to work on, getting into character more, and working on the technical side of things, so I took those things and tried to apply them week by week. Every week I learned something new and I just found it easier to learn a dance and do the steps once you had the basics.
What is the funniest thing that happened behind the scenes?
Being backstage in hair and wardrobe was where we had the most craic, dressing up and being funny and making the girls laugh, which I’ll probably miss as well. Chatting to them about my love life, getting advice off the women. I’d be telling them stories and they’d be like 'you’re mad!’.
Have you been blown away by the support you’ve received?
The last two weeks have been immense, I didn’t realise so many people have been watching me, and what’s been amazing is little kids love to watch me dancing. Parents are telling me their kids are shouting at the TV when I’m on and they’re dancing along with me! I never would have thought in a million years I would have been able to reach people like that. The whole community in Tullamore has gotten behind me, it’s made me really proud to be a Tullamore man.
Who would you like to see lifting the glitterball trophy, other than yourself?
Nina Carberry. That woman has put in 110% while raising two kids. Everyone deserves it, but if I had to pick it would be Nina, because she’s literally Wonder Woman to me. She’s been such an amazing dancer as well. I wouldn’t mind losing to any of them at this stage.
Do you think you will continue dancing?
I’m straight back into the rugby, but I won’t forget these moves. If I was to organise a night out I’d do dancing classes for the lads because it is a lot of fun! I’ll definitely use these moves on the dancefloor to try and impress a lady in the future and with all the ballroom posture my wedding dance is going to be A1!
What three words would sum up your Dancing with the Stars experience?
Emotional. Dramatic. And a lot of fun!
The Dancing with the Stars final airs on Sunday, 27 March at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
