Dancing with the Stars judge Brian Redmond says ‘nobody is bigger than the show’ and insists he isn’t worried about the future of the series.
It comes as the new season is set for a huge shake-up with 2fm presenter Doireann Garrihy set to join Jennifer Zamparelli as co-host, taking over from Nicky Byrne.
Brian, who is best known as the tough talking judge on the RTÉ One series since it began in 2017, told Irish Daily Mirror: “That’s the thing about this show and I mean this talking about myself as much as anyone else, that show is bigger than anyone that is on that.
Read more: Doireann Garrihy to take over from Nicky Byrne as host on Dancing With The Stars
“And we’ve seen that in the UK over the last 16 years now I think, the only member of the cast, apart from Tess[Daly], who is still there is Anton Du Beke and he has even changed roles.
“So it is a show that sustains change really well because it isn’t about one individual and one person.
“Nicky was fantastic on the show,” he went on, as he opened up on his friendship with the Westlife star on the show over the years.
“And to have him on board for the first five seasons was great. On a personal level to get to meet him and become to know him was a great honour.
“And I’ll probably miss Nicky more than most, he had similar interests to me with the sports and a fellow Manchester United fan. So top of the stairs every Sunday evening we could always have a quick catch up on how the soccer was that day before we got into the glitz and glamour so I'll certainly miss having that around.
“But it will be great to have Doireann as well.”
Asked if was surprised by the announcement of her appointment in the highly sought after gig, following weeks of rumours suggesting that RTE presenter and former champion of the show Lottie Ryan was the front runner after Nicky announced his departure, Brian added: “Those type of procedures are way beyond our paygrade, we just go in and enjoy the craic and whoever they decide is there.
“I’m sure Lottie would have loved it, she did a fabulous job filling in for Jen, but that is the thing. It is changing and evolution is constantly happening on the show.”
The 44-year-old went on: “I know Doireann is really excited about taking over so she’ll bring her own energy.
“And don’t worry, I'll be putting her under as much pressure as everyone else if she messes up,” he went on to joke.
Heading into preparations for the sixth series, set to air in January, Brian went on to dispel any fears that the show is going anywhere despite rumours.
“But to be honest with you, I don’t worry about it. This will be our sixth season, and if somebody had told me when we went on in season one that we’d be doing the show six years later I'd be like, ‘that’s fine, I'll take that’.
“But do I think there is a market for it going forward, 100%.
The father-of-two added: “You can see it when you speak to people on the street, they all love it whether they are 8 or 80.”
“And we are in a very privileged position to be able to be on TV at all, let alone doing a TV show like Dancing with the Stars, it’s always special to be there.
“My take is let's enjoy it.”
And the former dance champion said he is more excited than ever to head back into his judging seat, as he will debut a new look - without his signature specs.
Optilase, one of Ireland’s leading Laser and Lens Eye Surgery clinics, has partnered with Dancing with the Stars judge Brian Redmond, as he opted for a lens replacement surgery in the brand-new Optilase clinic in Carrickmines.
Brian said: “It has been a game changer for me. Simple things like not having to always have my glasses on hand when reading a text or playing games with the kids has made all the difference.
“The procedure itself was painless and took less than ten minutes per eye. After the procedure, I was able to return to normal the very next day and my vision was instantly clearer.
He went on to joke: “Maybe I'll be even tougher on the dancers this year because i’ll be able to see more of the stuff they are doing wrong.
“Dancers beware, you’re really in trouble, i’ve 20/20 now,” he added with a laugh.
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