Rhys McClenaghan has had quite the year.
He won his first gold medal at the Paris Olympics this summer, and last month, he picked up the Glitterball Trophy as Dancing with the Stars champion alongside Laura Nolan.
But what he’s most excited for is taking the next step with his girlfriend, Emily.
Speaking to VIP Magazine about his tough training schedule, he admits his long hours in Dancing with the Stars was hard for both of them.
“We’d be used to me being away from home for a while, not having much time in the day to chat. I didn’t have a minute in the day to spare over the last few weeks and that was difficult for both of us,” he tells us.
“Even if it was a phone call, it had to be a short one in between training or between a video piece for DWTS. It was tough, but the light at the end of the tunnel was moving in together. I’m super excited for that.”
He admits it’s been “a long time coming” as they’ve been working on building the house for two years.
“It’s been a big project but one that I’m happy to have my dad’s help with. He’s a joiner so it’s nice to get an insight into his world and what he’s done his entire life,” he explains.
“He’s been doing so much with me, it’s been a nice process. It’s such an important thing to do stuff with your parents and I’ve grown closer with my dad because of this. I’ve grown to appreciate and respect him even more so now.”
Pick up the April issue of VIP Magazine to read our full interview with Rhy
