Jordan Dargan Reflects on Dancing with the Stars Journey After Semi-Final Exit

The Apprentice UK star Jordan Dargan has expressed his disappointment but likewise gratitude after being eliminated from Dancing with the Stars during the semi-final on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Dargan and his professional partner Rebecca Scott lost in a dance-off against Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba.

A Bittersweet Farewell

Despite receiving a combined score of 77 for his semi-final performances, Dargan was unable to secure a place in the final. Makay will now join Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini, Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan, and Eric Roberts and Arianna Favaro in the competition’s grand finale on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

“I’m not going to stand here and pretend we’re not gutted. You realize, we were so close, and I wanted it so, so lousy. I’ve had the time of my life,” Dargan said following the judges’ decision, as reported by RTÉ.

Reflecting on the Experience

Dargan emphasized his commitment to the competition, stating, “I gave everything, staying up late, practising… I think when you put your all into it, you’re going to feel your emotions a little bit more when it doesn’t go your way. I left everything I had out there.” He also expressed his respect for his fellow contestants and his dance partner.

“I’ve said this from the beginning but there has never been any animosity,” Dargan added. “There has been healthy rivalry but whoever makes it to that final, whoever beats me, whoever wins, I’ll be genuinely delighted for them because we’ve created such strong bonds in the group.”

Embracing Vulnerability and Growth

Dargan highlighted the personal growth he experienced during his time on Dancing with the Stars, noting that the show allowed him to showcase a more vulnerable side of himself. “This show has shown a different side to me which I hope people like,” he said. He contrasted this with his portrayal on The Apprentice, where he felt the need to project a more guarded image.

Rebecca Scott encouraged him to embrace imperfection, telling him to “go out there and if it’s not perfect, cool.”

What’s Next for the Entrepreneur?

The Dublin-based entrepreneur, who founded Rendify Studios, a 3D animation company, and was the first Irish-Nigerian contestant on The Apprentice UK, remains optimistic about the future. He suggested that the exposure from Dancing with the Stars could benefit his business career, as “people invest in people.”

When asked about future television appearances, Dargan joked, “You never know what tomorrow holds but whatever opportunity comes my way I’m just going to take them.”

The Final Lineup

The final of Dancing with the Stars will air on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player at 6:30 pm on Sunday, March 15, 2026, featuring Eric Roberts and Arianna Favaro, Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini, Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan, and Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba.