DANCING With The Stars judge Julian ­Benson has told how he lives life to the full because he knows how precious every day is.

The dance impresario, 48, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just two and was given a life expectancy of 13 years.

2 Dancing With The Stars Judge Julian Benson Credit: Kyran O'Brien

2 Judges Brian Redmond, Lorraine Barry and Julian Benson Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Brave Julian, 48, spoke out about CF for the first time two years ago, as he set up the Julian Benson Foundation.

This aims to raise funds to build a dedicated wellness respite retreat for those with the genetic condition.

He’s now recorded a charity single, Cha Cha Boom Boom, to help realise his dreams and will perform the song for the first time on tonight’s show.

He told the Irish Sun: “I want to encourage and inspire young people and all people who have challenges in their life to go for their dreams and live their best life and say nothing is impossible.

“I didn’t think 20 years later, I would be recording a song and putting out a video.

“I had a challenge and it was about, live every day, appreciate every day and go for your passions and dreams. Don’t waste time. Every day is a precious day for me.

“Now I can help my foundation, I can help other CF families all over Ireland. I think there’s a need there. I can help them and why not.

“I think if people are in a position — in media or TV — if we can help, that’s a good thing and we should all do what we can.

“I’m only one person but I’ve amazing support.”

'AMAZING SUPPORT'

Talent manager Julian will perform alongside dance troupe Fly Youth on DWTS, which goes out on a Saturday as the usual Sunday night billing would clash with ­election count coverage.

And Julian — known to fans as Captain Sparkle — hopes his new song gives people a reason to smile.

He said: “We want people to get up and go. We want ­people to get up and get fit. Dancing can keep people alive.

“It’s proven dance helps dementia, dance helps circulation, dance helps you live longer. It’s helped me so far.

“It gets the endorphins going. When you dance you feel happier.”

CAPTAIN SPARKLE

Known for his OTT personality, Julian revealed how his glittery outfits are not reserved for the weekend show.

He said: “I do go (to the shops) in my trackies but they tend to have sparkles on them.

“It’s the ready-to-wear ­sparkle collection. I’ve always been sparkly. It’s been in me since I was a child, it’s not just Sunday. You will see me in sparkles in Tesco.”

Tonight’s Switch Up week on DWTS will feature the first ever same-sex dance couples.

Brian Dowling will be paired with Kai Widdrington, while Lottie Ryan will dance with Emily Barker.

And Julian said of the telly world-first: “I think it’s going to be sparktastic. It’s a world first and I think it’s great RTE and Shinawil for doing it.

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“I think it’s going to be something special. It’s live and let live. It’s giving a positive message out there to everyone. It’s about ‘Be who you want to be, do what you want to do’. As I always say, there’s no obstacles, only possibilities.

“That’s the same reason I’m doing the single, it’s about showing you can overcome challenges and live your dreams.”

YOU can download Julian’s single from iTunes or donate to the charity anytime by ­texting BUILD to 50300.