'The world has a lost a bit of sparkle': Former Dancing with the Stars judge passes away

Tributes are pouring in for Julian Benson, a former judge on RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars, who has died.  

The 54-year-old dancer, choreographer and talent agent passed away peacefully this Saturday, surrounded by his family and closest friends after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

Julian, was born in Adelaide, Australia, became a household name in Ireland in 2017 when he joined the judging panel on RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars.

Affectionately known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly, custom-made jackets, he quickly became a show-favourite with both contestants and viewers. He will be remembered not only for his quick witty one-liners but also for his unwavering kindness and encouragement towards the contestants.

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"Julian was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of two. But rather than let this challenge define him, Julian decided to embrace life fully. He began dancing at the age of four and embarked on a professional career at just 14 – an incredible achievement for anyone, let alone someone living with a chronic lung condition. His determination and passion became the driving force behind everything he did," read a statement issued on behalf of his family.

For over 40 years, Julian, who moved to Ireland when he was aged 12, kept his CF diagnosis private.

However, in 2018, during an emotional appearance on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy, he revealed his lifelong illness and shared his dream of creating a charity to support the CF community. That night, he announced the birth of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (JBCFF) telling viewers: “I have Cystic Fibrosis, but Cystic Fibrosis doesn’t have me.”

His dream became a reality with the opening of Tranquility House in Dublin – a space where families can find comfort and peace during difficult times.

This was made possible by the generosity of over 130 companies and individuals who believed in Julian’s vision. The remarkable transformation of Tranquility House, which featured on Room to Improve in January of this year, is a testament to the power of community and to Julian’s unyielding determination.

Commenting on the death of Julian Benson, Larry Bass of ShinAwil - the production company behind Dancing With the Stars said he was deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

"He was a wonderful friend - our very own Captain Sparkle who brought so much joy, brilliance and talent to the world. His attitude and outlook on life was ever inspiring and will continue to be thanks to his constant effort to better the lives of people around him, especially with the creation of the Julian Benson CF Foundation - his legacy will live on forever.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our wonderful friend Julian Benson. Our very own Captain Sparkle who brought so much joy, brilliance & talent to the world. One of a kind, he will be forever missed.

The world lost a bit of sparkle today✨

May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/QzJNnrI7vj

— DWTS Ireland (@DWTSIRL) April 19, 2025

Mr Bass added that Julian was one of a kind, and will be forever missed. "The world lost a bit of sparkle today," he added.

Architect and broadcaster Dermot Bannon has also paid tribute to Julian. "Devastated to hear that Julian Benson has passed away, he had so many health issues to deal with but he always showed with his amazing energy and fun lifting the entire room, it was a real privilege to have known and worked with him over the last few years, he taught me so much about resilience and life," he said on social media.