SINGER DANIEL O’DONNELL SAYS “STRICTLY COME DANCING” WAS THE BEST AND WORST EXPERIENCE OF HIS LIFE
London, England — Irish country music star Daniel O’Donnell has opened up about his time on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, describing it as both “the best and worst experience ever” — an unforgettable chapter in his long and celebrated career.
The Donegal-born singer, who competed on the hit show in 2015, was partnered with professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff, dazzling fans with his trademark charm and sincerity. But while Daniel looks back fondly on the friendships and fun, he admits that the experience also pushed him far outside his comfort zone.
Speaking in a new interview, the 62-year-old entertainer shared:
💬 “Strictly was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done, but also one of the hardest. I loved the glamour, the people, the energy — but at times, I was completely out of my depth. It was terrifying and wonderful all at once.”
Daniel, who is more accustomed to serenading audiences than mastering the cha-cha-cha, said that the rigorous training schedule was a shock to his system.
“I thought I was fit until I met Strictly,” he laughed. “The hours of rehearsals, the pressure of performing live on Saturday nights — it was a whole different world.”
Despite his modesty, fans adored his warmth and authenticity on the show. His gentle humor, positive spirit, and willingness to try anything — from ballroom elegance to Latin flair — made him one of the most beloved contestants of the season.
Yet, Daniel confessed that the competition also brought moments of self-doubt:
💬 “There were nights I went home thinking, ‘What have I done?’ But then you’d get messages from people saying they were voting for you, and suddenly it all felt worthwhile.”
Daniel was eventually eliminated midway through the competition but insists he has no regrets. “I might not have made it to the final,” he smiled, “but I came away with memories I’ll cherish forever — and a few bruises to prove it!”
His partner, Kristina Rihanoff, later described Daniel as “the perfect gentleman — kind, funny, and endlessly patient.” The two have remained friends, occasionally reuniting at charity events and TV specials.
Reflecting on the experience today, Daniel sees Strictly as a metaphor for his career — a mix of challenge, faith, and joy. “It taught me that you’re never too old to try something new,” he said. “It’s okay to step into the unknown — even if you do it two left feet first.”
Fans still remember his graceful farewell on the show, when he thanked the audience and Kristina with a simple line that summed up his journey:
💬 “I may not have been the best dancer, but I gave it everything — and that’s all any of us can do.”
Nearly a decade later, Daniel O’Donnell’s Strictly story remains one of the show’s most heartwarming — a testament to humility, humor, and the courage to keep dancing no matter how hard the steps may be.