Julian Benson, former Dancing with the Stars judge, dies aged 54

Dancer and choreographer Julian Benson has died aged 54 after a “courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis”.

Benson became a household name in 2017 when he joined the judging panel on RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars.

Known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly jackets, he quickly became a show favourite.

Benson kept his diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis private for more than 40 years. In 2018, during an appearance on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy, he revealed his lifelong illness and shared his dream of creating a charity.

He then announced the creation of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and said: “I have Cystic Fibrosis, but Cystic Fibrosis doesn’t have me.”

Benson went on to lead the development of Tranquility House in Dublin – a space where families can find comfort and peace during difficult times.

The transformation of Tranquility House featured on RTÉ’s Room to Improve in January this year.