Fr Ray Kelly with professional dance partner Kylee Vincent on Dancing With The Stars Fr Ray Kelly says he can “up his game” despite the on-going backlash from critics over his appearance and performance on RTÉ1’s Dancing With The Stars.
The singing priest survived another elim-ination on February 16 by securing enough public votes to remain on the show.
However, sections of the media and public have voiced their displeasure at the priest’s continuing presence on the series, where he has consistently finished bottom of the leader board.
Fr Kelly has been making steady progress each week and feels that his dancing performances are improving.
“My scores are getting higher and I am creeping up slowly plus the comments from the judges are certainly better,” he said.
“A lot of people are voting for me because they know me and they find me entertaining. I feel that’s the reason why so many people are voting for me.”
Uplifting
He added: “I know I am not in the same league as Lottie Ryan or Ryan Andrews, but I can only do what I can do.
“This weekend we are performing with a live orchestra, which is uplifting but I know I am going to have to up my game to do better.”
Fr Kelly who, at 66, is the oldest contestant on the show, balances his parish duties in Oldcastle, Co. Meath with his dance training schedule.
Judge Julian Benson says the clergyman goes out of his comfort zone to impress the panel and “brings the entertainment factor to the show”.
Competition
Recently-eliminated presenter Brian Dowling too has leaped to his defence, saying: ‘“Ray actually has improved. He’s getting better.”
Many people have hit back at recent online articles criticising the priest.
One commenter wrote: “In a world where you can be anything, please be kind. I admire Fr Ray for being such a good sport – it’s not a talent competition, it’s light entertainment.”
The reply alludes to the #BeKind hashtag which aims to spread the message of being kind to public personalities following the death of Love Island presenter Caroline Flack.