‘DWTS’ win would be ‘the cherry on top’ as singer Whelan eyes studio return
Wild Youth frontman David Whelan is planning a return to writing music after the Dancing With The Stars final tomorrow.
The Dublin-born singer said “everything has been put on hold” for him while dancing on the show, as he tried to use this time to “refresh”. Now, he’s ready to go back to music and writing.
“I’m going back into the studio next week to start writing again. I feel like I’m good to go again,” he said.
The Dancing With The Stars final will see Whelan and his professional dance partner Salome Chachua hitting the dancefloor once again.
“We are doing a show dance, which is any style you want to do, so we’re doing contemporary,” Whelan said.
The dancing couple are calm and don’t feel much pressure at this stage of the competition – in contrast to the previous episodes.
“Each week there was pressure to try to stay in the competition every Sunday. Now we’ve made it all the way, so in a way we feel like we’re winners,” Whelan said.
“We’ve got to dance for 11 weeks, and we’re still here. Everyone goes home on Sunday so we don’t really feel that much pressure.”
The singer said he enjoyed “every part of ” the experience on the RTÉ dancing show but he’s ready for a break. “We danced, with one day off, so our bodies are tired. It was hard, but I enjoyed every part of it. I think we’re just ready to have a break now,” he said.
He added that he has learned a lot about himself during the show. He also praised his dance partner for teaching him resilience and to “keep going, no matter what”.
“I learnt I’m stronger than I give myself credit for – physically and mentally. I’m very proud of where we’re now,” he said.
When asked who his biggest competition is in the final, he said he’s trying not to think about it: “It’s anyone’s game. You cannot tell.
“I’m not thinking about it. I got this far and I’m happy with what I’ve done.
“I feel like I’ve won it in my own mind because I put my heart and soul into each week. I’m proud of every single dance we’ve done.
“If I lift the glitterball, that’s the cherry on top, but if I don’t, everyone goes home anyway,” he said.
His dance partner Chachua said they were ready for a dance-off every week, as “you don’t know what’s going to happen”.
Whelan added: “That’s why I love this show because it’s bonkers. Anything can happen at any time”.
The Wild Youth singer also said he could see himself as a TV presenter in light entertainment. “I find it more fun with light entertainment. The whole chance of being in this show and just seeing how fun it is,” he said.
“I see how much fun Doireann [Garrihy] and Jen [Zamparelli] have. It’s just a nice atmosphere each week, different, new elements all the time. It’s exciting.”
He added that the hosting pair “were made for the show”.
The ‘Dancing With The Stars’ final is on tomorrow at 7pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player