Dancing With The Stars winner Pasquale La Rocca said he feels "sad" about his shock exit from the show.
The two-time champion, who lifted the glitterball trophy with broadcaster Lottie Ryan and jockey Nina Carberry, won't be returning when the show airs in January.
The pro dancer thanked the people of Ireland for being so welcoming during his time here.
Read More: RTE Dancing With The Stars suffers blow as champion dance star leaves show
Pasquale told RSVP Live: "I am very sad. When I wrote the post about leaving the show I went through a lot of emotions.
"I went through all the videos and all the pictures and I had two incredible years in Ireland.
"It is not just about the show, it is about the people I met and how I was welcomed to Ireland. I am going to miss it a lot."
Pasquale has a lot of highlights from his two years on the RTE show.
He said: "I came to Ireland and I didn't know anyone here. I really had to prove myself. Everyone was so welcoming on the show and around Ireland."
Pasquale was a pro dancer on the Italian version of Dancing With The Stars called Ballando con le Stelle where he was paired with journalist, Luisella Costamagna.
He said: "I am having such a great time. It is the first time I have been on the show after 10 years as a dancer.
"It is a big deal for me, my family is following it and my friends are watching me every week. It is something that is really special for me.
"Unfortunately, because of the broadcast schedule I couldn't make it work with the show in Italy and the show in Ireland."
What is next for Pasquale? He said: "I am not going to say. I have had four incredible years after moving into television following a break in theatre. I might go back into theatre, but who knows what will happen next year?"
READ NEXT:
- Dad regrets 'moment of madness' that cost him job, freedom and unborn child
- Concern for missing rugby player weeks after being sent home from Ireland tour
- Girl dies after taking 'unknown tablet' in nightclub as teen arrested
- Meghan and Harry's documentary 'utterly explosive and worse than royals can imagine'
- "It has affected every part of our lives" - Irish mum's warning to parents after daughter's Strep A diagnosis
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
