Dancing with the Stars: James Patrice Reveals Raw Emotions Backstage as Semi-Finals Approach

The pressure is mounting on Ireland’s Dancing with the Stars as the competition heads into its semi-final weekend and the emotional toll is becoming increasingly apparent behind the scenes. James Patrice, the show’s roving reporter for a remarkable ninth series, says the atmosphere is charged with a rawness he hasn’t witnessed to this degree in previous seasons.

Patrice, who has an all-access pass to the training room and dance floor, shares updates with fans via Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. However, his vantage point extends beyond the glitz and glamour presented on screen. He’s often present for the most vulnerable moments, those occurring immediately after a contestant’s elimination.

“Yeah, it’s very emotional, particularly on the floor after they’ve been eliminated,” Patrice told RTÉ Entertainment. “The second the credits roll, the social team and I go in for interviews for Instagram and TikTok. It is that pure, raw emotion. It is that kind of initial shock and everyone is around them and everyone’s, you understand, saying how amazing and fantastic they are. But by the time we gain to them, it’s very much ‘okay, calm down, that’s it, you’re not in the competition anymore’. It’s very emotional.”

The emotional weight isn’t solely borne by the contestants. Patrice emphasizes that the journey extends far beyond the five or six weeks viewers see on television. Two months of intensive shooting and rehearsals precede the televised competition, fostering deep connections between castmates and their professional partners. This extended commitment makes saying goodbye all the more hard.

“It’s not just the five or six weeks we see them on the show. It’s the two months before that as well where they are shooting and rehearsing. They’re getting to know their fellow castmates and their partners, so it’s much more than the few weeks that we see on the show,” he explained.

Last week saw Olympic rower Philip Doyle and his partner Daniela Roze eliminated after facing singer-songwriter Tolü Makay in a dance-off following Orchestra Night. The disappointment, Patrice notes, is particularly acute for the professional dancers who have invested months of their lives into the competition.

“I think for the pros as well, like Daniela and Philip who were eliminated on Sunday, Daniela was particularly upset because she had worked so hard and Philip was so amazing. It’s at that stage now where they do see the Glitterball and think ‘I could get there and this is attainable’. To go home at that stage, it’s heartbreaking, it really is.”

The dedication of the professional dancers is immense. While Patrice and the social media team are present primarily on weekends, the pros are immersed in the competition seven days a week, their lives revolving around rehearsals and performances. This level of commitment amplifies the emotional impact of elimination.

“They are so immersed in it. I signify, you know, myself and the others, we’re only there at the weekends. But they are there seven days a week. They eat, sleep and breathe it.”

As the competition narrows to just two weeks, Patrice anticipates the emotional intensity will only increase. The proximity to the final, and the realization of how close contestants are to lifting the Glitterball trophy, will undoubtedly heighten the stakes.

“Obviously I don’t want to make people cry, but I do love a few tears because it just shows how real it is and how human it is – trying a new skill and putting themselves out there. It’s daunting to say the least.”

Patrice, known for his own vibrant personality and presence on Irish social media, even jokingly expressed a willingness to embrace the emotional atmosphere. “We’ve two weeks left – I want to see tears on the dance floor. Better yet, I’ll just cry.”

Beyond his role as a roving reporter, Patrice has turn into a fixture on Dancing with the Stars, having been involved with the program since its inception. He’s also a digital presenter, conducting interviews with contestants, judges, and audience members. He’s even playfully suggested he’d be open to taking on a hosting role, stating, “never say never.”

In a recent interview, Patrice acknowledged the strength of the current hosting team – Jennifer Zamparelli, Laura Fox, and Doireann Garrihy – but left the door open for future opportunities. “Yeah, a chance to host a show like Dancing With The Stars would be unbelievable of course,” he said. “But I’m lucky that I’m involved every year in the role of digital presenter…But look, never say never.”

He also hinted at a willingness to contribute in any capacity, from costume design to providing refreshments. “I will host the show, I’ll dance on the show, I’ll sew the costumes, I’ll do the teas and coffees, you name it!” he laughed. “No, I’d definitely love to do it.”

For now, however, Patrice remains focused on capturing the raw emotion and behind-the-scenes drama as Dancing with the Stars hurtles towards its finale. The show continues Sundays at 6:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.