Irish Strictly Come Dancing star Tristan MacManus has revealed he was bullied in school for his foxtrot skills.
The Wicklow dancer has been signed up to the BBC programme after wowing on the US version, Dancing With The Stars.
But the 31-year-old – who was paired with Baywatch beauty Pamela Anderson – admits he was constantly teased for his abilities as a youngster.
He said: “The lads never really knew and then we did a TV show – 12 to 1 with Marty Whelan.
Partner: Tristan danced with Pamela Anderson
“I was sent to dance and when I was coming home to go to football training two of the lads I trained with started dancing. It was a nightmare.
“I got a bit of abuse but I was lucky enough that it was nearly at the end of school.”
Previously Tristan revealed that he used to try and hide the skill.
He added: “Nobody used to know.  Obviously the football managers used to  know – my folks used to tell them – but the  lads never knew.
“Then one day I was walking  home and two of the lads started dancing down the road – I knew I was caught out.”
And Los Angeles-based Tristan told 2FM he was delighted at finally getting a reason to come home from America.
He added: “I’m excited about it now. I’ve been trying to find a reason to come home for three and a half years now.”
