'Vibrant, confident, unafraid': Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson is laid to rest

Dancer, choreographer and former Dancing With The Stars judge Julian Benson's funeral was held today (April 26) in the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin, as mourners heard of the lasting impact he has made on those who knew, loved and watched him. 

Becoming a household name after joining the judging panel of RTE’s Dancing With The Stars in 2017, he was affectionately known as 'Captain Sparkle' for his trademark sparkly, custom-made jackets and love for his quick witty one-liners as well as for his kindness and encouragement towards the contestants.

The 54-year-old performer sadly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis on Good Friday, April 18. 

Heartbroken mourners and various Irish showbiz stars all made their way to Donnybrook to say their last goodbyes to the much-loved entertainer. 

Opening Julian's requiem mass was the local parish priest who said, "It's a sad privilege to be here on the altar as we gather in prayer, capturing his memory and extending our solidarity with those whom he loved and those who loved him in life." 

Following this, Julian's cousin and close friend John Wall honoured the late and great man by saying, "On behalf of the extended family, thank you so much for being here today to celebrate his life. It means a lot to see so many people gathered here who loved and cared for Julian," as symbols were brought to the alter by many family and friends.

Among the sentimental items were pieces of his art collection, a sparkly cap which John said was "a perfect symbol of a sharp, snazzy and creative sense of style," a friendship plaque which represented Julian's gift for connection, a symbol of charity in honour of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and a heart shaped cushion which was brought forward by Therese Carrigan, a caring nurse from the Cystic Fibrosis community, who, despite retiring, continued to check in with Julian.

"These symbols remind us of the many facets of Julian's incredible life, the love he gave, the joy he spread, the strength he showed, and the legacy leaves behind," concluded Mr Wall. 

Handing over to Derek, one of Julian's best friends, he shared a few words on the devastating loss. 

Speaking at the Church of the Sacred Heart, his friend of 26 years said, "To be honest, as you can probably tell, I feel reluctant standing up here today, part of me would just like to sit where you are, quietly with my thoughts but Julian had a way of making you really believe that you could do anything you set your mind to. I can hear him now: “Derek, ready, we’re live in five. Pose, diction, smile, eye contact, we're live to the nation," and I already feel better. 

"So, today I'm standing here to honour our beautiful friendship. Being friends with Julian was an interesting experience, because on the surface, it was all glam, night clubs, launches, fashion shows, gala balls, dinners, TV, radio, not your typical friendship resume, I think you'll agree. But beyond all that, our friendship was very, very simple. 

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"Walks in the pier in Dún Laoghaire with Teddy's ice cream, strolling around UCD talking about old times. A Sunday drive was a big one for us, listening to the band 'Steps' on full volume. We weren't cool. Afternoon tea in probably every hotel in Ireland, and probably his favourite thing to do,  a trip to the cinema with pick and mix, toffee popcorn and fizzy drinks.

"Julian always said to me, 'Derek, we're making memories,' and truthfully, I probably never thought too much about that. But lately, these memories that we made together have a lot more meaning. So as I stand here today, heavy hearted, I know that our hearts will be healed by the lasting memories that we made together," concluded the heartbroken man. 

Julian's other best friend Sarah went on to give an insight into their lives together over the last 40 years.

Speaking, she fondly recalled the first time the pair met. "When I first met Julian in the dance centre, nearly 40 years ago, this vibrant, confident, unafraid, 14-year-old tried to hustle shy 13-year-old me into selling him my Walkman and my skinny black tie, and then a few weeks later, he declared himself as my best friend. Julian had a fantastic ability to spot his friends hidden talents and unexpressed dreams, because life and time were the most precious commodities for him, he felt it was a terrible waste to not do what you loved in the time you were given.

"Therefore, he was always so supportive and positive, encouraging people to pursue their dreams, and as Derek said, to go outside their comfort zones and push themselves a little bit more into the light. That enthusiasm was part of his public 'Captain Sparkle' persona, but he really meant it. Private and personal Julian was low key, down to earth and very generous.

"He didn't just want to talk about his own challenges, but he was really concerned with solving others problems as well, especially vulnerable people. He really wanted to help people. That real, down to earth Julian is where our souls met, on the couch, solving the problems of the world for hours and hours every night," said Sarah, who concluded by saying: "I can't imagine my life and my family without him, but I do believe that he is up there now with Maura (Julian's late mother)."

Fr Ivan Tonge, a friend of his family and chief celebrant, said before the funeral: "It's a great plus for us to learn about our very special friend and the difference not alone he's made, but continues to make in our lives."

Fr Tonge went onto say that for the most part, his perception of Dublin was grey, brown and black, “except for Dublin Bus and Julian,” where he lightly joked that he had upstaged Pope Francis, whose funeral also took place on the same day. Julian revealed his diagnosis in 2018, during an emotional appearance on the Late Late Show, where he announced he was starting the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 

The foundation provides support and services to families of patients, including a home from home, Tranquility House, while their loved ones received treatment in hospital. The beautiful Mass ended with Julian's coffin, which was covered in stunning flowers, being escorted out to the tune of 'I could have danced all night' by Julie Andrews and Philippa Bevans. He was later laid to rest in Glasnevin Cemetery.