It seems the relentless energy that propelled Eric Roberts to social media fame is now fueling his demanding schedule on Irish television and the demanding dance floor of Dancing With The Stars (DWTS). The Ireland AM presenter is facing a monumental juggling act as he heads into Movie Week, balancing rigorous rehearsal schedules with new parenthood and significant real estate ambitions.
Roberts, a familiar face on Irish mornings, admitted this week that the commitment to DWTS, coupled with his role hosting the popular show, a new baby boy, and overseeing a house build in Donegal, means his schedule is packed tighter than ever. This Sunday, fans can expect a vibrant transformation as Roberts and his professional partner, Arianna Favaro, tackle a high-energy Samba inspired by the Jim Carrey classic, The Mask.
Going Green for Movie Week Magic
The prospect of Movie Week clearly excites Roberts, who shared his anticipation during a recent interview. “Obviously, Movie Week is a brilliant one. I'm so, so looking forward to it, probably more excited than I was going into week two,” he stated, hinting at the fun he’s having embodying the iconic, chaotic energy of the 1994 comedy.
Roberts and Favaro are set to channel the chaotic, vibrant energy of the film, promising a spectacle that incorporates the character’s signature green hue. For Roberts, who describes himself as a performer and a fan of putting himself out there, this themed week is a perfect opportunity to showcase personality alongside technique.
Navigating the Time Commitment
The journey on DWTS is notoriously time-consuming, requiring several hours of rehearsal daily. Roberts confirmed the intensity, noting that he dedicates up to five hours a day to perfecting his routines. This intensive schedule required a significant lifestyle adjustment for the presenter, who welcomed his son, Ryan, with his wife Niamh last year.
“When the job came up with Ireland AM, I sort of had to commit because I was up and down like a yo-yo with work and brand deals and stuff,” Roberts explained. This commitment necessitated a geographical shift. “We're building in Donegal at the moment and we're renting down here in Dublin,” he revealed. The family took the leap to relocate to Dublin temporarily to manage the broadcasting demands, framing the upheaval as an exciting new adventure.
From SNA to Screen Star
Roberts’ current visibility stems partly from his significant social media following, where he has amassed over a million followers. However, his roots in community work remain a defining part of his public identity. Before his media career took off, Roberts spent seven years working as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in Donegal, a role he looks back on with immense pride.
Advocacy Through Children’s Literature
His experience as an SNA, particularly working with children including his nephew Oisín, who has cerebral palsy and autism, directly inspired his debut children’s book, Gary the Stinky Goose, published last year. Roberts remains a passionate advocate for disability awareness, underscoring that this commitment remains strong despite his shift to mainstream entertainment.
The Pressure of Being a Favourite
As a contestant on a high-profile reality competition, the pressure to perform consistently is immense. Roberts acknowledges the competitive nature of the show and the emotional toll of waiting for feedback. After a successful debut, the pressure mounted for Week Two.
“Honestly, I'm not trying to look at it too much because you would send yourself loopy. I'm quite competitive and I'm quite hard on myself with these things,” he admitted. Despite a strong start, Roberts confessed that the moment of judgment is terrifying. “It was terrifying standing there last week. I was going, oh, God, it could be me.”
His focus remains firmly fixed on delivering a high standard each week, hoping his enthusiasm for the dance—especially for the comedic elements of Movie Week—shines through to the judges and the viewing public. With the demands of a new baby, a television contract, a construction project, and intense dance rehearsals, Eric Roberts is proving to be one of Ireland’s most dedicated and multifaceted personalities.