Sweetharts go flat out to win US reality show

Filmed in Los Angeles, the show pits the fleet-footed couple against a host of dancers from all round the world.

While they have years of experience performing on the floor behind them, dancing to the top of the judges’ scoresheet was no easy task.

Bernadette said: “it was incredibly hard work. Most of the dancers who took part were professionals as well, and they were all very talented.

‘There were professional ballet dancers from Russia, dancers from Canada’s Cirque de Soliel and the hit Australian show, Burn the Floor.’

Bernadette, though, flourished in the company of elite dancers.

She said: ‘It was great fun and a totally different experience for us.

‘We’re used to dancing in front of live audiences every night, so this was a new challenge.

A lead dancer with the sell-out Lord of the Dance show for the past 13 years, Bernadette initiall partnered the original kind of the dancefloor - Michael Flatley – for a number of years.

She says the multi-millionaire who is hosting Superstars of Dance, has been a huge support over the years.

She said: ‘To dance with Michael was amazing. He’s a really great performer and so charismatic on stage, so I learned a lot from him.

‘He’s also been a great mentor since, as well, and he’s always got good advice.

Now in Berlin, where the current Lord of the Dance troupe are performing ahead of their homecoming in March, the dancer says she has no plans to hang up her shoes just yet. “There’s nothing like the buzz of performing in front of a live audience every night.

‘It’s busy schedule, in that were always on the move, but we both love what we are doing.

‘It helps that myself and Damian are in the same job, as we can support each other on the road and both share in all the different experiences that we’ve had over the last decade.

As for their star turn on the show, she adds: “Hopefullit will let more people know about Irish dance and Lord of the Dance, and will introduce a whole new audience to our shows.’

Devised by the reality TV experts, Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller, the new series has proved a huge hit in the U.S., where it airs on NBC.

Along with Ireland, competing countries include Argentina, Russia, China and India.

Contestants are guided through the show by Flatley, debuting in a primetime TV role, and co-host Susie Castillo. Irish views can check out the action for themselves on Friday evenings at 9pm on TV3.