Dowling makes history in first same-sex pair
AN emotional Brian Dowling was close to tears last night after fulfilling his dream to dance with a man on Dancing With The Stars.
The star and Kai Widdrington, along with Lottie Ryan and Emily Barker, took to the floor as same-sex professional and celebrity dance partners in a first for the dance series – both in Ireland and the UK.
Wearing matching suits the guys danced the quickstep to Take That’s Out Of Our Heads.
An emotional Brian, 41, said: “It’s a shame it took so long but it is 2020 and it’s the start of what should be everywhere.”
Host Jennifer Zamparelli added: “We have waited a long time to have a moment like this on Irish television.”
Loraine Barry said the speed the iconic routine was put together was “very impressive”.
Judge Brian Redmond was also full of admiration.
He added: “You are brave because you are the one who agreed to take on the added pressure of being the first to do this.”
And Julian Benson praised the move as “historic”. He said: “Brian, it was a loud and proud quickstep and I’m very proud of you.
“You took a moment on the floor tonight and made history.”
First up on last night’s show was presenter Mary Kennedy and pro partner Ryan Mcshane with a fun jive to Twistin’ The Night Away by Sam Cooke, scoring 14 points.
Fr Ray Kelly danced a Charleston with Giulia Dotta to The National Express by Divine Comedy, wowing the judges with his best score yet of 14.
Sinead O’carroll and John Nolan performed a dark Viennese Waltz to Guilty by Paloma Faith.
Kilkenny Hurler Aidan Fogarty paired up with Kylee Vincent and for a cha-cha-cha to Feel’s Like Home by Sigala. They scored 18 points.
Model Grainne Gallanagh was paired with Pasquale La Rocca for a rumba to Beautiful People by Ed Sheeran feat. Khalid and scored 18.
Lottie and Emily performed a Charleston to Woman Up by Meghan Trainor, scoring 26.