As Dancing with the Stars reaches its Grand Finale, we caught up with judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond, and Arthur Gourounlian to discuss their highlights of the season.
The judges share their thoughts on what they were most looking forward to in the final show, what three words best describe this season, and who was the most surprising dancer on this year's DWTS.
They also reveal some backstage secrets, including Jennifer Zamparelli's sweet treats for the audience, and their favourite moments on and off the dancefloor.
It's the Grand Finale on Sunday, what are you most looking forward to on the last show of the season?
Loraine: I am most looking forward to the excitement and the adrenaline that the final brings out in everyone.
Arthur: Well, I am not going to lie. The past 11 weeks have been so AMAZING but also INTENSE, so I can't wait to see who will be lifting that famous Glitter Ball on Sunday. All of our four finalists have been working so so hard towards it, and it will be EPIC to see who the winner will be.
Brian: Seeing the champion lift the glitter ball. It's such a special moment for them.
What three words would you use to describe this season?
Loraine: Super exciting year.
Arthur: Outstanding, breathtaking, magical!
Brian: Closest season yet!
Who has been the most surprising dancer of the season and why?
Loraine: Brooke has been very exciting for me as she has such a vibrant carefree energy. No matter what was thrown at her I felt she took it on board and went with it.
Arthur: For me, it has to be Damian. He has changed so much from day one to what we just recently saw in the semi-final. He really has improved and shown that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. His technicality has improved so much week after week.
Brian: Kevin McGahern, despite going out in the semi-final I think he was the most improved dancer up to that point.
Tell us a secret from backstage...
Loraine: There can be a lot of noise especially before we go on air as everyone is doing the last-minute bits.
Arthur: During the commercial break, Jennifer always feeds the audience sweets to keep the energy up. But she never gives me any! Hahaha!
Brian: My changing room is bigger than Arthur's - he is very jealous!
What has been your favourite moment on or off the dancefloor this year?
Loraine: I have a few favourite moments, but one of them had to be Panti when she used me as a role model in one of her dances.
Arthur: My favourite moment was Rory aka Panti Bliss in dedication dance week, doing the Passo Doble. It was just incredible.
Brian: On the dance floor Rory's performance in dedicated dance week. Off the floor the laughs we have with the crew at lunchtime.
What are you most looking forward to doing once you have your Sunday nights free again?
Loraine: Sunday is what I call a rest day, so I’m looking forward to having an easy Sunday.
Arthur: Spending time with my daughter Blake and creating memories with her.
Brian: NOTHING! But seriously working on some other projects that I have been thinking about for a while. Sssshhhhh!
If you could have replaced one of the professional dancers this season for one dance, which one would it have been and why?
Loraine: In Orchestra Week I would have taken Karen Byrne's place and danced American Smooth with Shane Byrne to Luck Be a Lady Tonight.
Arthur: Oh, this is easy. I would have loved to do the Charleston with Damian and dance at that table. Sorry Kylee – hahaha!
Brian: Probably Michael Danilczuk for his Charleston with Suzanne. That looked like so much fun.
What dance would you like to see your fellow judges do and to what song?
Loraine: I would like to see Brian Redmond do Gangnam Style to the original music. And I would love to see Arthur do the Rumba to Stay by Shakespeare’s Sister
Arthur: Loraine, it has to be a Tango to The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army. Brian, it has to be Contemporary Ballroom to Britney Spears’ I’m Slave For You.
Brian: Arthur having a go at Slow Foxtrot to something by one of the old crooners like Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra. Loraine doing some hip hop or street dance to any something by one of the big wrap artists.
Which performance from this season do you think will go down in DWTS history?
Loraine: The performance that will go down in history was by Rory and Denys. It was dedication week. It was a very emotional, heartfelt honest performance.
Arthur: Rory aka Panti Bliss doing the Passo Doble will definitely go down in history. That performance wasn’t only a dance but a huge statement for all of us to watch and learn about Rory’s life.
Brian: There is only one choice here, Rory’s performance to It’s A Sin.
The Dancing with the Stars Grand Finale takes place on Sunday on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 6:30pm.
