Daniel O’Donnell Opens Up About ‘Strictly Come Dancing’: “The Best and Worst Experience Ever”
Renowned Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell may be no stranger to the stage, but even decades of performing couldn’t prepare him for the emotional rollercoaster that was Strictly Come Dancing. In a candid and humorous interview on Lorraine, the country music legend reflected on his time on the 2015 series of the beloved BBC dance competition — calling it both “the best and worst experience ever.”
For fans accustomed to seeing O’Donnell gracefully command concert halls and television studios, it might come as a surprise to learn just how unnerving the glittering ballroom could be. “I’ve been on stage all my life,” he said, “and yet on Strictly I was just reduced to jelly every night.” Despite his cool confidence as a performer, he admitted that the Strictly stage brought a unique kind of pressure he’d never experienced before.
The Unexpected Side of Showbiz
Though he described the experience as emotionally intense and nerve-racking, Daniel was quick to heap praise on the show itself. “It’s the greatest show ever,” he declared, recommending that anyone given the chance should absolutely take it.
Yet, his exit from the competition remains one of the highlights — at least in terms of comic relief. “When I was eliminated, it was like the great escape,” he joked. “Usain Bolt and Mo Farah wouldn’t have run as fast as I did off that stage.” His light-hearted recounting of that moment added a touch of levity to what was otherwise an incredibly demanding journey.
The Real Rewards
While the experience may have left him emotionally “shattered,” Daniel insists there were invaluable takeaways from his time on the show. Chief among them was the sense of camaraderie that developed behind the scenes. He spoke fondly of the “wonderful people” he met — fellow contestants, backstage crew, and professional dancers — many of whom he still keeps in touch with via a WhatsApp group. “It was like we’d all been through a war together,” he said, smiling.
Another unexpected gift from the show was the sheer challenge and learning curve of ballroom dancing itself. Known for his calm stage presence and steady voice, Daniel found it humbling and invigorating to step into a world where he was far outside his comfort zone. The process of learning each routine and performing it live, week after week, pushed him in ways that few other experiences ever had.
A Firm “No” to Any Return
Despite the fond memories and friendships, Daniel O’Donnell was unequivocal when asked if he’d ever consider returning — even for a festive Strictly Christmas Special. His answer was emphatic and characteristically witty: “I’d rather die on the spot!” he laughed, making it clear that once was more than enough.
Fans of both Strictly and Daniel himself may be disappointed to hear that he won’t be slipping into sequins again anytime soon, but his honest reflections have only endeared him more to audiences. His mix of humor, humility, and heartfelt storytelling offered a rare glimpse behind the glitz of television’s most dazzling dance floor.
In the end, Strictly Come Dancing may not have turned Daniel O’Donnell into a ballroom champion, but it did what few things could — it made one of Ireland’s most seasoned performers feel like a wide-eyed newcomer again. And in doing so, it became an unforgettable chapter in his long and colorful career.