Rhys McClenaghan has admitted he needs a support system back home after swapping Newtownards for Dublin during his stint on Dancing With The Stars.
He praised his girlfriend Emilee for being "on board" with his time commitments and for being okay with him being away from home.
The gymnast also opened up about meeting his pro partner Laura Nolan's Matthew MacNab and how he helps them train.
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Rhys told RSVP Live: "She comes to some of the rehearsals and she has been at every live show. She is on board and that is important.
"I am based in Dublin for however long I am on the show. To get up and go is a big deal and you need that support system back home.
"You need that understanding that they are behind you."
The gold medal Olympian has spoken in the past about suffering panic attacks before competing in gymnastics, but his experience on Dancing With The Stars has been very different.
He said: "I haven’t really been nervous because our intentions aren’t to go out there and score the highest and be the best in the room, it is to enjoy it.
"That is a big difference between gymnastics and Dancing With The Stars. The judging here is entirely subjective, but in gymnastics there are certain things you need to do.
"I give my best performance when I enjoy myself and I don’t have that laser focus."
Rhys and his pro partner Laura Nolan have constantly received high scores and praise from the judges, but he doesn't feel any pressure to keep delivering.
He said: "People just expect good performances, but that is what we are aiming for anyway.
"That doesn’t really change what we are doing. We got our lowest total score so far this season on Sunday night. That has made us push even more.
"It is nice for me to give that to Laura because she is an incredible choreographer. I am somebody who appreciates dance in all of its glory. Seeing her piecing together choreography to suit me is really nice."
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Rhys and Laura have been getting on well in the dance studio.
He said: "I never thought I would get along with someone that well and that quickly. That is a testament to Laura’s personality and how nice she is.
"I get a lot of joy from learning anything new and progressing. I thrive off performing every Sunday after putting in the work during the week."
Laura's fiancée, ex Love Island star Matthew MacNabb, also competed on Dancing With The Stars, but Rhys wasn't nervous about meeting him and they have struck up a nice friendship.
He said: "He is not an intimidating guy. He is very welcoming and very friendly. I get on well with him.
"He would come in and work in the studio while we are rehearsing.
"He would give me little tips he learned on the show because he has been through it. It has been really helpful."
Dancing With The Stars airs Sunday nights at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
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