Reaching the final of Dancing with the Stars is a full-circle moment for Galway girl Laura Fox. She has made it no secret that she has wanted to be on the show since it first aired on RTÉ One in 2017.
And now, here she is, about to take to the floor for the very last time in the Grand Final.
Talk about dreams coming true.
Fox and her partner Denys Samson will go head to head with couples Blu Hydrangea and Simone Arena, David Wheelan and Salome Chacua and Jason Smyth and Karen Byrne during tonight's final instalment of the dancing competition.
Speaking to rte.ie the 2FM and Ireland's Fittest Family presenter said that while it would "mean the absolute world" to her to lift the Glitterball, her standout moment will also be "the friendships I have made along the way".
"I really mean that because I have some exciting brunch plans and summer plans with so many of the cast of 2024 and that’s just been something phenomenal to take out of this whole journey."
Even when she received some negative feedback from the judges in Week 2, the ever-smiling Fox was able to turn it into a positive.
"The judges across the board said they didn’t believe the story and the commitment I was giving," she explained.
"Since then, every single week, it has been something I have worked on is the storytelling and the commitment to the character I am playing that week. I have enjoyed letting that side of myself loose. Maybe that’s something I will keep up in my real life!"
With several tens now under her belt from the judges, Fox has consistently found herself at the top end of the leaderboard over the last number of weeks. While it is clear to the viewers at home that she has a flair for dancing, she’s not sure if it is something she will keep up professionally.
"I know Karen Byrne does a Dance Fit class on a Thursday and that is something I would like to keep in my life. Professionally, I don’t think so, I do not think I am at that level, but it is something I have found a love for and it is not something I want to let go completely."
So, with no rehearsals to go to next week, what is she looking forward to most?
"I have the best year of my life and I am so excited to see what is to come, but first and foremost I am going to get back to my radio show on Saturday and Sundays because that it is what I love the most.
"I can’t wait to get back to hanging out with my partner Brian and my dog Thor. We’ve been like ships in the night the last four months."
Dancing with the Stars: The Final airs on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player this Sunday 17 March from 7pm
