Matthew gets his second highest score from judges

Matthew gets his second highest score from judges

2 March 2022

LOVE Island heart-throb Matthew MacNabb has got through to the final six of RTE’S Dancing With The Stars — and is dating a new girlfriend.

The Downpatrick man impressed the judges on Sunday evening with his strong Paso Doble for its “great characterisation”.

The dance with professional dance partner Laura Nolan is inspired by the movements of a Spanish matador and bull.

The 27 year-old gave a passionate performance in the dramatic dance to the song, Live and Let Die by Wings in the show’s Big Band week played by the  RTE Orchestra.

He told the Recorder: “I loved this week. It was a strong, powerful and intense experience so I’m glad it came across well. I could do that performance every week. It was my second favourite performance after the contemporary ballroom.”

The score of 22 was also his second highest of the competition, after the moving dance that he dedicated to his late friend, Ryan Freeman, who died in an accident shortly before he went on to Love Island.

Matthew believes that his performance is improving as he is starting to enjoy the dance process.

“I think it’s easier for me to focus now because I’m really enjoying it. There are only three more rounds to the final so I’m fully locked in. I really want to prove that I can become a really good dancer,” he said

It’s a highly pressurised experience, now with the dance-off it makes it even more intense. Somehow it’s made it more enjoyable.”

“I just got to pray that people keep up voting and supporting. I want to be the first Northerner to win it so I’ll do everything I can.”

Judge Brian Redmond said of his performance: "This Paso Doble summed up your journey on Dancing with the Stars so far. It was just full of contrast — the ridiculous and the sublime."

He also complimented Matthew’s "really great characterisation" but said he was "a little bit robotic in the hands".

"Compared to what we've seen you do so far, that was a very good Paso", he concluded.

Loraine Barry told him: "It's all about getting into character, you then have to show us the Paso Doble steps which I'm delighted to say you did. This is a big dance and I think it's a big success for you tonight."

Arthur Gournounlian added: "You look divine tonight! You committed to this dance emotionally and physically. I'm so happy you came back from last week's Cha Cha and brought us this.”

Apart from learning how to dance, Matthew also revealed to the Irish Mail on Sunday that he met a girl through the show.

“I’ve been dating a few weeks now. It’s early days, so I want to keep it relatively quiet. But she does live in Dublin.”

Matthew, who failed to couple up on Love Island, didn’t reveal the identity of the lucky lady, but added: “She is well known – we met through the show [Dancing With The Stars].”

Check out Matthew’s progress on Dancing With The Stars this Sunday at 6.30pm on RTÉ One.