‘One of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had’ –Dancing With the Stars contestant Laura Fox on making the most of RTÉ show’s final weeks

The Galway native, who took over as co-presenter on Ireland’s Fittest Family last year, said she is on a “really good trajectory” and “good path” in her career.

This week is orchestra week on the RTÉ show, and it’s now less than a month to the final.

“I am keeping it week by week,” Fox said.

“Obviously, endgame is the glitterball (trophy) and you would be lying if you said it wasn’t.

“I get to do this one year and one year only, and I never get to go back into it again. I do fully think if you are not enjoying things as they are happening, then what is the point?”

Reflecting on her time on the show so far, the 33-year-old said taking part has been “one of the greatest experiences I have ever gotten”.

“We have been over three months doing this,” she said.

"Two months on telly this Sunday, but a full five weeks of training before that. It has been a huge part of our lives.

“Now I know it is very nearly coming to an end and hopefully I can see it through, but I am enjoying every single second of it for what it is.”

The former Miss Galway said she has had a lot of support from her native county.

“I have noticed more people recognising me in the nicest possible way,” she said.

“Loads of kids particularly, and I absolutely adore that so much, especially in Galway.

“Anyone who I meet there comes up to me and says ‘we are so proud of you in Galway’. It is just the nicest feeling in the world.”

Fox said she was sad to see one of her closest friends on the show Eileen Dunne depart last Sunday. The former RTÉ newsreader and her dance partner Robert Rownski faced the first dance-off of the season, losing out to Rosanna Davidson and her dance partner Stephen Vincent.

Last month, Fox said she and Dunne enjoyed coffee breaks together, which she said helped calm her nerves.

Fox said the pair already have plans to “hang out” after the series ends.

“I was savagely gutted because I enjoyed seeing Eileen every single day and it is such a bubble. Me and Eileen are already planning when we can get a glass of wine together,” she said.

On whether Fox and Dunne could star in a TV show together, she said: “Never say never.”

“The idea of working with someone I have become quite close with and getting to hang out with them and getting to know them, there is so much joy in that,” she added.

Dancing With The Stars continues at 6.30pm this Sunday on RTÉ One.