GAA star Paul Brogan has described his dancing as "better than when I first started" thanks to the tortuous stretching and the gruelling schedule from his professional Dancing with the Stars partner Salome Chachua.
Having swapped his football boots for more glitzy attire, the Gaelic footballer has shared just how much work goes into preparing for each live show every week on Dancing with the Stars.
Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment, he said: "Give me Croke Park any day of the week compared to this!
"We have the Charleston this week and I am covered in sweat in training. By the end of each session, I am ready to go home. GAA is probably more intense for shorter periods of time and you get recovery. My legs are sore today, but there is no chance of a day off.
"I'm not flexible or fluid, so the fast dances I am finding much harder. We are stretching every session - we have a regime, it's like a form of torture!
"There has been a noticeable difference since we started - but I still can't touch my toes."
Brogan also spoke about being out of his comfort zone and explained that "dancing is more difficult than football because if something goes wrong, we don't have the skill and it is very hard to adjust in the moment".
"I have played in Croke Park, but this is way worse," he admitted.
Despite the heavy training sessions, Brogan is clearly having fun on the show and is enjoying showing off his flamboyant side.
"My normal clothes at the weekend would be pretty out-there. I like fashion, so that's the fun part of the show for me.
"I get on very well with the girls that look after the clothes. Even though the judges gave me a bit of stick about it, we are keeping the trousers tight - that is not going to change!"
Dancing with the Stars, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, Sunday, 6:30pm
