C’mon Eileen
She came LAST in Week 2, but retired newsreader has a secret weapon – her RTÉ pals
FORMER newsreader Eileen Dunne has revealed how support from her RTÉ colleagues – both old and new – has lifted her spirits and confidence as she braves the glare of the spotlight on Dancing With The Stars.
Eileen, who worked at the national broadcaster for 42 years, turned to former newsroom pals Mary Kennedy and Aengus Mac Grianna – both former contestants on the show – for their words of wisdom as she prepared for her stint on the dance floor.
And she revealed she has become very friendly with rising RTÉ star Laura Fox, with whom she shares a training studio.
Speaking ahead of the third round of this year’s series tonight, Eileen said, ‘I’ve been talking to Mary, Aengus and some of the others.
‘I’ve always been a huge fan of the show’
‘When I went to watch Mary, it was mentioned: “Sure, maybe we’ll get you on someday yourself.”
‘I’ve always been a huge fan of the show. I love watching it and Strictly in the UK. I was trying to figure out if I would be able to, so I said [to herself] “just have a go”.’
While fellow celebrity contestants, singer David Whelan and former model Rosanna Davison, topped the leaderboard last week, it was Eileen’s sensational new ponytail hairstyle that was all the talk online.
Many fans also said on social media that they felt she was unfairly marked after she trailed the other contestants with 13 points. But ahead of the first elimination from this year’s series tonight, the former newsreader will have some familiar faces cheering her on live in the studio.
‘Mary and Anne Doyle are coming this Sunday, so it will be it will be great to have them in the audience.’
She also revealed that they are trying to tempt another former newsreader to take a spin on the DWTS dance floor.
Anne Doyle has previously said that she has ‘two left feet’, but Eileen hinted she could still make an appearance on the show.
‘Who knows… never say never,’ she said.
Aside from her old RTÉ gang, Eileen has also forged a bond with rising Montrose star and fellow contestant Laura Fox.
‘We are training in the same studio, so I have gotten to know quite well… I see her nearly every day.’
She has also enjoyed some indepth chats with jockey Davy Russell, and has huge admiration for model Rosanna Davison.
‘I have had some really interesting chats with Davy, just looking again at things from a very different perspective.
‘Rosanna has been doing so well, and with three small children I think she’s doing amazingly.’
Tonight Eileen and her professional partner Robert Rowinski will dance a waltz to the Liza Minnelli hit, Try To Remember.
And no matter what the verdict of the judges, the former newsreader says she will never forget her DWTS experience.
‘Mary [Kennedy] said “enjoy every minute of it” and she’s right.
‘It’s such a privilege to be taught how to dance properly, by such professionals, and to work with such a talented team.
‘It’s not just what we’re doing, but it’s to get an insight into their [the professionals’] lives and how they operate and all the rest of it. So, it’s fascinating,’ added Eileen.
‘It’s a privilege to be taught how to dance’