In a moment that had the nation reaching for the tissues, beloved Northern Irish singer Brian Kennedy made a triumphant and deeply emotional debut on RTÉ’s Dancing With The Stars last Sunday – gliding across the floor in a groundbreaking same-sex pairing that marked a powerful milestone for the show.

The 59-year-old Belfast crooner, who has battled rectal cancer, a quadruple heart bypass and Covid in recent years, took to the glittering dancefloor with professional newcomer James Cutler for a graceful Viennese Waltz to Billy Joel’s classic Piano Man.

Dressed in elegant tails, the pair earned a respectable 23 points from the judges, with new head judge Oti Mabuse praising their “beautiful connection” and Arthur Gourounlian declaring it “elegant and heartfelt”.

But it was Brian’s sheer joy and vulnerability that stole the show. As the music swelled, tears glistened in his eyes – a far cry from the dark days when doctors feared he might not survive.

“This is my rebirth,” his close friend, comedian Katherine Lynch, had predicted just days before the premiere. And how right she was.

Brian, who turns 60 later this year, has been open about his “traumatic” health battles. Diagnosed with rectal cancer, he endured gruelling chemotherapy, only to suffer a heart attack in 2021 that required emergency quadruple bypass surgery. Then, just as he was recovering, Covid struck.

Yet here he was, twirling under the lights in front of millions, proving that life – and dance – goes on.

“I’m so excited,” Brian had said when announced as the final celebrity contestant last month. “I’m really looking forward to getting fit and learning how to dance properly. What a way to start what will be my 60th year on the planet!”

And start it he did, with a performance that felt less like a competition routine and more like a celebration of survival.

His partner, handsome British pro James Cutler – making his own DWTS debut after starring on the Belgian version – lifted and spun Brian with effortless chemistry, making them the second same-sex male pairing in the show’s history.

The audience erupted in applause, and social media exploded with support. “Brian Kennedy on #DWTSIreland is everything! What a comeback,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote: “From cancer survivor to ballroom star – crying happy tears for him!”

This year’s series is making history with not one but two same-sex pairings: Brian and James, plus the show’s first ever female same-sex couple – podcaster Amber Wilson (sister of Vogue Williams) with Alex Vladimirov.

Hosts Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox kicked off the glitzy premiere on January 4, with the studio sparkling brighter than ever under new head judge Oti Mabuse, who replaced Loraine Barry alongside Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne.

The lineup is packed with familiar faces: Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh, Traitors Ireland breakout Paudie Moloney, reigning Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins, Fair City actress Stephanie Kelly, Olympic rower Dr Philip Doyle, comedian Michael Fry, and more.

But all eyes were on Brian as he stepped into the spotlight.

Born in Belfast and discovered by Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, Brian’s career has been nothing short of legendary. He sang backing vocals for Van Morrison, touring with icons like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.

His 1996 album A Better Man went quadruple platinum, spawning hits across Ireland and the UK. In 2006, he represented Ireland at Eurovision with Every Song Is a Cry for Love, finishing in the top ten – the same year his heartbreaking rendition of You Raise Me Up at George Best’s funeral soared to the UK top five.

Now, preparing to release his 19th album, Brian is embracing this new chapter with open arms – and sequined shoes.

In rehearsals, he admitted to nerves: “I’ve never done anything like this!” But on the night, he was pure magic – smooth footwork, emotional storytelling, and that signature soulful expression that has endeared him to generations.

Judges’ feedback was glowing. Oti said: “You told a story – I felt every note.” Brian Redmond added: “Solid start, room to grow, but the musicality was there.” Arthur gushed: “So elegant – you floated!”

The 23 points placed them comfortably mid-table on opening night, behind high-scorers like Jordan Dargan (28) and Tolü Makay (27), but ahead of others like Philip Doyle (22).

No one is counting Brian out. Insiders say his fanbase – built over decades – could carry him far, especially as viewers vote.

“This isn’t just about dancing,” one source told Daily Mail. “It’s about inspiration. Brian’s showing everyone that after the darkest times, you can still shine.”

His journey on the show comes at a perfect time. Celebrating 30 years since A Better Man, he’s planning anniversary gigs – but first, the glitterball.

Friends say the experience is already transforming him. “He’s fitter than he’s been in years,” one pal dished. “The training is tough, but he’s loving it. James is a dream partner – patient, encouraging, and they have real chemistry.”

That same-sex pairing has been hailed as progressive, building on past milestones like drag queen Panti Bliss’s cha-cha in 2023.

Brian, who has always been open about his sexuality, is proud to represent. “It’s just two people dancing beautifully together,” he shrugged in interviews.

As the series heats up – with eliminations starting soon – Brian’s story is the one to watch. From Falls Road harmonies to Eurovision stages, from hospital beds to the ballroom: this is the comeback we all needed.

Ireland has taken him to their hearts once again. And if Sunday’s debut is anything to go by, Brian Kennedy is here to stay – one emotional, elegant step at a time.

Welcome back, Brian. The floor is yours.