Singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy has told RTÉ Entertainment that despite being the second celebrity to be eliminated from the new series of Dancing with the Stars, he will "never forget" the fun he had and the friend he made in professional dance partner James Cutler.
Kennedy and Cutler were eliminated at the end of Movie Week on Sunday night when the judges' scores and viewers' votes were combined, but Kennedy described himself as "definitely more proud than disappointed" when he spoke to RTÉ Entertainment immediately after the result.
Having survived rectal cancer, a massive heart attack, and quadruple bypass surgery in the last decade, the 59-year-old said taking part in Dancing with the Stars had been a revelation.
"This is the first time I've done anything this physical since having all those horrible health things, so it's just proven to me I can put up with stress, I can put up with full-on rehearsals - and not having my dinner at an early time!" said the Belfast man.
Cutler said Kennedy had "given it absolutely everything" in rehearsals and on the show.
"We put the work in, and this is the way these shows go," said Kennedy.
"I know how to lose - I've been in the Eurovision, don't you worry!" he laughed.
While looking forward to a good sleep, Kennedy has a busy schedule ahead.
He is playing Oscar Wilde in Moonlight - The Philip Lynott Enigma at London's Eventim Apollo on 29 March and has to put the finishing touches to his 19th album, also due in March.
"This just means I have a wee bit more time to rehearse Oscar," he concluded of his DWTS exit.
"I'm going to chalk this up to a fabulous experience. I'll never forget it. It was such fun."
Reflecting on his debut season on Dancing with the Stars in Ireland, English pro dancer Cutler said: "If they're going to have me back next year, I will be back without hesitation.
"I've had such an incredible time. The production here is unbelievable. The level of detail that goes into everything. The guiding (sic) that you get to help you get these concepts out onto the floor. And then, of course, working with people like this (gestures to Kennedy). You can't ask for anything more as a professional dancer.
"So, genuinely, loved every second, and I'll be back."
"And they'd be lucky to have you too!" added Kennedy. "You're amazing."
Dancing with the Stars, Sundays, 6:30pm, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
