Michael Flatley completed his long road back to recovery last night as he performed on U.S. dance show ‘Dancing With The Stars.’
The ‘Lord Of The Dance’ star appeared on the show to give his first live recital since he was hospitalised with a mystery immune virus that left him fighting for his life last December.
Dressed as an aircraft pilot Flatley, 49, performed with his crew on the results night for the semi-finals of the dance competition, giving the audience an electric performance that received a standing ovation.
At the end of the three-minute routine Flatley high-fived his fellow dancers and punched the air repeatedly. The routine was taken from the Irish dance choreographer’s last creation ‘Celtic Tiger.’
Flatley had been rehearsing for 20-dates of that show when he was taken ill late last year. The mystery virus left him hospitalised for weeks amid reports it might rob him of the ability to dance.
At the time the condition was deemed so serious that he cancelled all 20 European dates for the Celtic Tiger Show. Following his release his new wife Niamh gave birth to the couple’s first child, also called Michael, in April.
The star’s recovery was then hampered by a relapse over the summer but at the time he vowed to fight back for the sake of his son. He said at the time: “My son is my biggest motivation to get better.
“I have a wonderful team of doctors who are doing every test possible. I feel that if anyone can cure this illness, they can. I’m back on medication. Some days I feel like I’m getting better and other days I suffer setbacks. When we go for walks I find myself short of breath. Sometimes it seems very surreal. I’m so used to being in control of my body. I so much wish I had my full health. I want to be a dad who is full of life. ”
Despite testing him for every known virus, doctors have been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of his illness.
Chicago-born Flatley, star of dance spectacles ‘Riverdance,’ ‘Lord of the Dance’ and ‘Feet of Flames’ is believed to be worth more than £400million and has homes in Barbados, Chicago, France and London, as well as Ireland.
The finale for Dancing With The Stars takes place next week.
The three remaining stars in the U.S. competition are ‘Spice Girl’ Mel B, Marie Osmond and Indy racecar driver Helio Castroneves.
The final dance-off will air live at 8pm Monday and the champion will be crowned Tuesday.
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