Saturday with Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts: You’re always on your toes
Eric Roberts is a presenter and contestant on Dancing with the Stars.
I’ll get up at around 6am and, to be honest, it’s my favourite time of day as I get to spend time with my 13-month-old son Rían.
We’ll read a few books, play a few games — he’s constantly on the go but it’s amazing. I’ll have my first coffee of the day, which will keep me going until I head off to the Ireland AM studio.
I’ll arrive to the studios, head to hair and make-up, and read over my notes.
The show runs from 9am to 12pm. Time flies when we are on air.
The great thing about the show is that you never know what you’re going to be doing or who you’ll be talking to — news is ever-changing. You’re always on your toes interviewing interesting people. We could be doing a drag spin class one minute and discussing something very serious the next.
It feels like home to me, like I’ve been doing it all my life. I was a special needs assistant until I was 30. I never dreamed I’d be doing this.
Of course I get nervous but it’s exciting. I’m always smiling on the way to work. I love learning and I hope I’m getting better every weekend. My two co-presenters are so experienced. I couldn’t hope to learn from two better people.
I’ll head straight to the Dancing with the Stars rehearsal studios, where we’ll do a run through our routine for Sunday’s show. I’ll be in wardrobe for 10 or 15 minutes where they’ll put me in a crop top or some bedazzled outfit — I’m trying to be an open book so whatever they want to put me in, I’m happy to oblige.
We’ll go onto the dance floor and run through our routine once or twice. I put my heart and soul into it.
If all goes well, I’ll be heading out the door at around 3pm.
I’ll head home to be a daddy for the rest of the day. Myself and Niamh will bring Rían out for a walk and grab a coffee.
One of the great things about living in Dublin now is that there are so many nice places for food and coffee within walking distance. At home in Donegal, you’re definitely driving for at least 10 or 15 minutes for a coffee.
The transition from Donegal to Dublin has been an exciting one for our family. I am much busier as I can say ‘yes’ to more things. It can be hard to switch off at times but it’s a great opportunity. The fact that I get to be home every evening with Niamh and Rían, rather than staying in hotels, is a game-changer.
If we weren’t in Dublin, an ideal Saturday would be spent with family and friends in Donegal. My dad would probably pull me out of bed and we’d go down for a swim, grab a coffee, go for a walk, and I’d spend some time with my nephew Oisin.
There’s always something to do in Dublin but sometimes it’s nice to feel that you can do nothing and can just sit in and watch TV.
The time on Dancing with the Stars is such a short time and I want to do well and enjoy the experience so I have to give myself up to it.
When the show finishes, I’ll have more time to see friends or go to the gym but, at the moment, that’s where my time is spent.
Myself and my wife are on a health buzz for the new year. We put dinner on early because, with the baby, I’ll be exhausted by 8pm.
Rían will have his bath, we’ll do storytime, have a little chill-out, and then he’ll have his Weetabix.
The baby will be in bed by about 7.30pm and asleep within 15 minutes. I’ll be in bed myself by 8pm.
Before Rían was born, my life probably would have been a lot more glamorous and exciting. I would have been socialising and shaking hands and trying to pretend I was a celebrity. Now I’m tucked up in bed by 8pm but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Niamh might stay up a bit longer and watch an episode of a series on Netflix before hitting the hay.
I don’t think either of us has had a full night’s sleep for a long time but all new parents would say the same. We’ll get up like zombies, give him the bottle, and then stumble back into bed.
- He is currently working with PTSB to support their Community Fund, which supports Irish charities nationwide.
- You can vote to decide which community partners they will support for 2026 until February 22.
- To find out more or to vote for the charity of your choice, see ptsb.ie/community
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