Erin McGregor has opened up about her fellow Dancing with the Stars contestants, revealing how much she appreciates their friendship.
The Dubliner has grown incredibly close to the celebrities and professional dancers over the last number of weeks, and hopes their relationship will continue to blossom.
“I love every last one of these people. I’m so proud of them,” she told VIP Magazine.
“Behind the scenes, these people have been holding me up. There have been some very emotional times for us all.
“We’re like one big family. I’m so proud of every last person. We all bring something different to the group, something different to the competition and they all bring something different to my life.”
Erin has been struggling with hurtful comments online, and although she tries to ignore them, it can be hard.
“I always see things – both the good and the bad. I’m new to this. I’m growing as a person.
She added: “A few weeks ago the bad comments would have really hurt me and badly affected me but I’m getting stronger and I’m trying to focus more on the positive comments.”
Opening up about her battles with anxiety and nerves, she says, “There’s a moment in everything that anyone does in life – career, buying a house, doing exams – where it can feel overwhelming and you need to dig deep and say you know what, I can do this. It had been a long time since I saw that side of myself.
“I am very critical of how I look, how I talk… I’ll always pinpoint the things I’m not happy about, but this show has helped me to get on with it.
“I’m proud of who I am, where I come from and I’m never going to change for anyone. I’ve come too far to change. I’m happy with who I am.”