While I love the sound of Latin I’m not sure I’d be great at it. I’m currently doing ballroom and my posture works well with it

While I love the sound of Latin I’m not sure I’d be great at it. I’m currently doing ballroom and my posture works well with it

5 January 2022

LOVE Island star Matthew MacNabb said he has no qualms about showing off his chest when he takes part in RTE One’s Dancing With The Stars on Sunday evening.

The 27 year-old Downpatrick man will be putting on his dancing shoes to compete with his professional dance partner against 11 other celebrities and personalities.

His time on Dancing With The Stars will be a lot different than when he appeared on the hit dating show over the summer.

The body builder and fitness fanatic made a real impression on the show, even though he did not make to the final as he failed to stay in a couple.

His physique was admired by contestants and viewers and he was loved for his deadpan humour and his speedy dumping of former love interest, Kaz Kamwi.

Male celebrities on Dancing With The Stars are usually asked to embrace being sprayed tanned, wearing quite flamboyant costumes and make-up for the show.

Matthew admitted: “I’ve got to be honest, it’s an adjustment but I don’t really have much shame so I’ll go with it and enjoy it. But I’m a beach dude at heart so walking about with the top off is my thing.”

He revealed that while Latin ballroom dance styles excite him, he was learning ballroom first before Christmas.

“I have been practicing for about a week now. I practiced all over Christmas. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s day are my only days I’ve chosen to take off.

“While I love the sound of Latin, I’m not sure I’d be great at it. I’m currently doing ballroom and my posture works well with it.”

He made sure that he keep up his fitness work over the holiday period ahead of the live show.

“I’m on a mission to get in the best shape possible so I will track my calories over the holidays but will also have fun — life is for living.

The Russell Gaelic Union (RGU) player admits that when it comes to dancing, he is a complete novice.

“The only dance experience I have is in nightclubs. My sisters Nadine, Muiread and Conagh were good Irish dancers though.”

Matthew is the son of local businessman Vincent MacNabb, who runs MacNabb’s waste management company, and his wife Margaret. He has one older brother Conaill. He admits he did not realise he would end up on a dance show when he was approached about doing Love Island.

“I didn’t foresee it, no. I just work on my own goals, enjoy my life with a positive attitude and normally God surprises me with new adventures. I never hesitate, no matter how scary. I always say yes.”

Matthew’s life has changed since his Love Island stint but he is embracing it all.

“It’s been really fun, a serious adjustment but I’m still just enjoying the things that make my happy, fitness, travelling, friends and family and now dancing. “Work has been an adjustment too because Im doing content creation pretty much full time and I did digital marketing with MCN Marketing Consultancy but doing it for yourself and understanding the subtle nuances is new. 

“I signed with as an athlete for one of my favourite brands, MyProtein which was a big dream for me. Use code: Matthew for discount.”

Catch Matthew on Dancing With The Stars show this Sunday at 6.30pm.