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The Irish Sun

RTE star reveals exciting ‘next step' with girlfriend as he admits ‘it was the light at end of the tunnel'

RTE Dancing With The Stars winner Rhys McClenaghan has opened up on the exciting "next chapter" with his girlfriend. The pro gymnast has been on a winning streak over the past two years - from Paris Olympics to 3 Rhys McClenaghan won this year's Dancing With The Stars series 3 Rhys won gold for Ireland in the 2024 Paris Olympics 3 Rhys is making an exciting move with his girlfriend At the height of his career, The Down native has been dating long-term girlfriend Emilee Carr for over five years. Emilee is also a professional gymnast and the lovebirds first met as kids while they were both in training. The Olympian admitted he found it "tough" to make time for his relationship whilst rehearsing for DWTS and training in the gym. READ MORE IN RHY MCCLENAGHAN The 25-year-old told "Even if it was a phone call, it had to be a short one in between training or between a video piece for DWTS." However, less than a week after the show finished, the happy pair moved in to their brand-new self-build together. Rhys beamed: "It was tough, but the light at the end of the tunnel was moving in together. I was super excited for that." MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN The couple's home has been a work in process for over two years, but Rhy's family has been majorly involved. He said: "It's been a big project but one that I'm happy to have my dad's help with. He's a joiner so it's nice to get an insight into his world and what he's done his entire life. Rhys breaks silence after DWTS win "He's been doing so much with me, it's been a nice process. It's such an important thing to do stuff with your parents and I've grown closer with my dad because of this. I've grown to appreciate and respect him even more so now." Rhys revealed that himself and Emilee spent their "first night" in the home back in April. But, the star confessed: "There's still lots to do, but it's liveable now. It was a special night and I'm glad it's finally here." This comes after the sporting champion was expected to make his The Newtownards man, 25, was due to land in Leipzig at the end of this month. SET BACK But he revealed on the Irishman will instead focus on the World Championships in Indonesia in October. The news . "I won't be competing at this year's European Championships . "I tried my best to push through preparation but an injury kept holding me back. "I chose to prioritise being healthy and recovering for future competitions this year and be sure that I can put out my best work yet. "I may not be retaining my European title but the path to being the GOAT is still very clear."