Dancing with the Stars' social reporter, James Patrice, has said he "loves how it's three full weeks" before a contestant is eliminated from the RTÉ One show and admits whoever leaves the dance floor next week has already "done incredibly well".
Patrice, who is back for the new season with his access-all-areas backstage pass to bring fans all the latest news and updates from the training room and the dancefloor on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X said nerves are starting to intensify for the eleven celebrities.
Speaking on The Laura Fox Show on 2FM, he said: "In fairness, the environment that's created on set is so lovely that no one is ever totally under pressure, but there are nerves, especially from next week on with that dreaded word".
The former Celebrity Operation Transformation star said viewers forget that contestants have been training and rehearsing since late November and the experience is a "whole journey".
"I will say I do love how it's three full weeks before you're eliminated because it means everyone gets to showcase what they are good at and what they might not be so good at - but next week that's it!"
He continued: "Some people may say they are the first out, and only lasted three weeks, but it's a whole journey. It starts at the end of November. It's never just the three weeks and that's what you have to remind the person who does unfortunately have to go first - don't be fuming and don't be upset because you've done incredibly well".
Our celebs and pro dancers aren't the only ones who can bust a move - isn’t that right @JamesPatrice? 🕺🪩🤣
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) January 4, 2025
One more sleep until #DWTSIRL returns 🥳 | 6.30pm on @RTEOne pic.twitter.com/xhZsQOOJWW
Discussing the addition of two-time Dancing with the Stars winner and professional dancer Karen Byrne to the judging panel, Patrice says she not only brings a wealth of experience but also "a lot of heart".
"It always reminds me of in the UK when Alesha Dixon became a judge. She wasn't even a pro dancer, she was a celebrity who had won the show," he said.
He added: "Karen has not only won the show twice but is also a phenomenal pro dancer - and is bringing that energy and knowledge but also bringing a lot of heart to it because she's been there and knows exactly how it feels and what it takes to win. Also, she's only had two looks so far - both have been fabulous!"
When asked if he'd ever consider swapping his mic for some dancing shoes, Patrice who has been working on the production for eight years, said he's "too ingrained in the show".
"Maybe two or three years ago there was a little mild discussion about me perhaps doing it. But I'm too ingrained in the show. I think people may think I have an upper hand for having done it for so long," he said.
"The beauty for me is that I get to go back every year. I would be fuming to do it and not be able to return to the show again. I will remain side of stage tapping the toes and not having the pressure," he laughed.
Dancing with the Stars returns next Sunday on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 6.30pm.
