TV host Doireann Garrihy has revealed how she felt the moment she was offered Dancing With The Stars – saying she felt like she had “imposter syndrome” when she landed the gig.
The radio presenter told how dancing bosses called her last August and asked her to screen test for the show, which returns this Sunday on RTE One.
But Doireann admitted imposter syndrome set in after she met her co-host, Jennifer Zamparelli.
The 2FM Breakfast star said: “I got a call in August last year to ask me if I heard that Nicky Byrne wouldn’t be returning to DWTS. I hadn’t, but the team told me they would love me to screen test.
“I just had this buzz and I said to myself I would give it everything. I did the screen test and I felt like it went well, and then I was called back for the ‘chemistry test’ with Jen and as I left that, I had this lovely feeling of, ‘I don’t think I could have done anymore.’
“The following week I was asked to come and meet the production team. But then of course, imposter syndrome set in. So, when they offered me the job, I was – and am – absolutely over the moon.
“It is the sparkliest gig in town, and I think I thrive on the fact that it’s live.
“Radio is the best training for that. I feel like I was in the right place, at the right time, career-wise and hopefully it will all pay off.”
Doireann told the RTE Guide she wants to look “polished and really feel ready for live TV” this Sunday.
"The great thing is that I am being encouraged to be myself and I am just going to go for it.”
The 30-year-old admitted it was nice to feel like she was working with Jen, who she feels is a “woman’s woman”.
“She is totally in your corner,” she added.