As he heads into Sunday’s final of Dancing with the Stars, Paralympian Jason Smyth has been reflecting on his experiences with pro dance partner Karen Byrne.
This Saint Patrick’s Day will certainly be a memorable one for whoever picks up the glitterball first prize in front of what promises to be a massive TV audience.
Along with Jason, three other celebrities have made it Sunday’s decider: Blu Hydrangea and pro partner Simone Arena, TV and radio presenter Laura Fox and her pro partner Denys Samson, Wild Youth singer David Whelan and partner Salome Chachua.
Calm before he dances up a storm, Jason is reluctant to choose a defining moment from the many experiences on Dancing with the Stars.
"It’s hard to pick out just one highlight at this stage," he says. "It’s not until it’s over that you find time to reflect on what’s happened, because you’re always looking at what’s next, what’s the next dance.
"But probably a few things that stand out would be week three when me and Karen did the contemporary dance. And trying to show people what I can see.
"I would also say, I think it was week six, the dedicated dance week where I was able to do it in front of my daughters. We had a little bunny in it and that was a special moment for them.
"And I think actually week seven for me, the samba, was probably the first moment - maybe Karen will agree - it felt that I started to embraced being on [the show] and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable."
Ultimately, he’s found the experience to be very positive. Winning or losing on Sunday won’t change his mind about his time on the show. He's clearly had a ball.
"It’s really been a journey," he insists. "And looking back from where Karen and myself have come from and moved over time, I feel it’s really been incredible to be where we’re at."
As well as the four finalists dancing for Glitterball glory, Sunday’s show will also feature the Riverdance cast strutting their stuff, along with a reunion of Dancing with the Stars legends.
They include the likes of broadcaster Marty Morrisey, singer Cliona O’Hagan, Glitterball champion and 2FM presenter Lottie Ryan, and Ryan Andrews from Fair City.
Paralympian Ellen Keane will also be there, and she's already revealed that she'll be cheering on fellow Paralympian, Jason Smyth.
But come Monday, it’ll all be over, the set will get taken down, the four finalists and professional dancers will go their separate ways, with Jason heading back home to Derry.
"Honestly, I’m just looking forward to taking a bit of time to relax," he says when asked what he plans to do as soon as Dancing with the Stars is over.
"What people don’t realise is just how full-on it is and how intense it is. So for me I think I’ll switch off for a few days and just be at home."
And home hasn’t been home for him in quite some time. Due to his Dancing with the Stars schedule, he had to leave Foyleside behind for a while.
Laughing, he says: "I haven’t been home since the First of January, so just to kind of be back at home for a few days and feel like I can just - I don’t know - sleep?
"Although, to be fair, my wife will have me making up for all those days and weeks away."
Dancing with the Stars, Sunday on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 7pm.
