LAST UPDATE | 19 Apr

JULIAN BENSON HAS died aged 54.

A statement circulated on behalf of his family read: “Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with cystic fibrosis. His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end.”

The talent agent, dancer, and choreographer joined the judging panel of Dancing with the Stars on RTÉ in 2017.

Benson was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at the age of two. He kept his diagnosis a secret for over 40 years – until his appearance on The Late Late Show in 2018, when he revealed his condition and shared his dream of creating a charity to support others who lived with it. 

That night, he announced his foundation: the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (JBCFF).

His foundation has been working on the establishment of Tranquility House. This year, the house – a home away from home for families while their loved ones receive hospital treatment – will welcome its first guests.

Earlier this year, he appeared on Room To Improve with Dermot Bannon as the pair set out to convert Tranquility House into a space suitable to welcome those with the condition.

Julian pictured on site at Tranquility House during its renovations.

He is widely acknowledged as a champion for those living with CF.

Tributes to the star have flooded in since his death was announced this afternoon.

A short statement from production company Shinawil and its founder Larry Bass read, “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 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.”

Lindsey Holmes, a publicist who worked with Benson, said he will be remembered “not only for his quick witty one-liners but also for his unwavering kindness and encouragement towards the contestants”.

Loraine Barry, judge on Dancing With The Stars (DWTS), posted a picture of herself and Benson and wrote, “Julian’s spirit reminds us all to find joy in every moment and to live life to the fullest. His legacy of warmth and kindness will forever remain in our hearts.

“I was so lucky to meet and spend time with him. There was never a dull moment only laughter.”

DWTS Judge Arthur Gourounlian and presenters Doireann Garrihy and James Patrice were among those to pay tribute to Benson.

“Such sad news. A legend of the ballroom,” Garrihy wrote, while Patrice commented, “An icon, a trailblazer and the very essence of DWTS”.

His foundation said, “Julian’s sparkle lives on in Tranquility House, in the foundation’s work, and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His iconic “Cha Cha Boom!” will forever echo his vibrant spirit and joy for life.”

Julian is survived by his brother Adrian, sister-in-law Rachel, and his beloved nieces and nephew.