RTÉ have confirmed that Julian Benson will miss the next two shows of Dancing With The Stars, as he is unwell.
During his absence, creative director Darren Bennett will replace him on the panel, alongside Brian Redmond and Loraine Barry.
Julian was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a child, a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine.
The 46-year-old opened up about is battle last year on the Late Late Show saying, “I have CF but CF doesn’t have me. It doesn’t define who I am”.
“I have CF but CF doesn’t have me. It doesn’t define who I am... and I put that down to my Mum” #DWTSIrl’s @judgejulesoffic telling the #latelate that his mum made sure having Cystic Fibrosis never held him back pic.twitter.com/P1v4xRJpNM
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) March 23, 2018
However, it is not known whether his condition is the reason he will be taking a break from the show.
The news comes hours before 'dreaded dance off' returns to tonight's show. The bottom two couples will have to take to the dance floor for a second time and it’s the judges who will decide whether they stay or go.