Karen Byrne and Brian Redmond appeared on The Late Late Show ahead of Dancing With The Stars’ 100th episode as the judge recalled the iconic Dessie Swim moment with Des Cahill
Karen Byrne had Late Late Show audiences in fits of laughter as she looked back on an unforgettable moment from her debut series on Dancing With The Stars.
Prior to the programme’s 100th episode airing on Sunday evening, Karen and fellow judge Brian Redmond, both present since the beginning, appeared alongside host Patrick Kielty on the popular RTÉ chat show.
Whilst the pair reflected on memorable moments from previous years on the dance floor, Patrick highlighted one particular recollection – leading Karen to confess, “What was I thinking?”.
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The Late Late host was referencing the ‘Dessie Swim’, a signature move Karen created whilst paired with sports journalist Des Cahill during the show’s first series.
The duo replicated a swimming motion during an Austin Powers themed performance, which remains one of the programme’s most celebrated moments, reports RSVP Live.
Patrick remarked: “Karen, there are many moments from over the years that are highlights when we think of you.
“I know exactly what you’re going to say. I bet I do. The Dessie Swim,” Karen responded.
“Does everyone remember that in the audience? What was I thinking?”.
“When I was doing the choreography I don’t know what was going through my mind. But listen, people loved it. Give the people what they want. Oh no, don’t play it!”.
Patrick subsequently showed the footage, prompting the audience to erupt in laughter.
Karen chuckled: “Live telly. Why not?”.
“It’s a move that hasn’t caught on in dance floors around Ireland,” Patrick observed. “I don’t ever remember studying that in a ballroom dancing technique when I was a young lad,” Brian remarked.
“The first time I saw it was live on the show. It’s not often you’re stuck for words as judges, but I was like, ‘Des, Karen, what are you thinking? My God, this is just iconic’.
“You could see it in the moment, from the reaction in the audience.
“It was Austin Powers for Movie Week. And come here, we’re still talking about it nine years on so I must have been doing something right,” Karen responded.
Meanwhile, Nicky Byrne has confirmed he’ll be making a return to Dancing With The Stars this week as a special guest judge to mark the programme’s 100th episode.
The Westlife singer presented the show from 2017 through to 2022.
Speaking about rejoining the programme for this milestone occasion, Nicky said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be heading back to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom. The show has been a massive part of my life for nearly 15 years – I’ve been a contestant on Strictly in the UK, I hosted five incredible seasons in Ireland and now I get to be a judge for one night only. It really is a full-circle moment for me.
“I’m really looking forward to the performances on the night because at the end of the day it’s all about the celebrities, professionals and the journey they’re on. I’ve been in those dance shoes before… I know the nerves, the pressure and the adrenaline, so I’ll definitely be encouraging and supportive… and if Brian gets out of line, I’ll be the first one sticking up for them!”.
“I can’t wait to see all my friends from the cast and crew again. It’s going to be such a special night – you only turn 100 once so as a great man once said, ‘It’s going to be ‘Box Office!’”.
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