Tributes paid to Ireland’s ‘Captain Sparkle’

Tributes have been paid to Ireland’s “Captain Sparkle” who has died at the age of 54.

Julian Benson became a household name in 2017 when he joined the judging panel on RTE’s Dancing With The Stars.

The talent agent, dancer, and choreographer was affectionately known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly, custom-made jackets, and loved for his quick witty one-liners as well as for his kindness and encouragement towards the contestants.

On Saturday, it was announced he had passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

In a statement his family added: “His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end.”

Benson was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of two but kept his diagnosis quiet and pursued a professional dancing career.

He revealed his diagnosis in 2018, during an emotional appearance on The Late Late Show, and announced he was starting the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (JBCFF).

The foundation provided support and services to families of patients, including a home from home, Tranquility House, while their loved ones received treatment in hospital.

His family extended their thanks to the Cystic Fibrosis team and the ICU teams at St Vincent’s University Hospital, as well as the transplant team at Beaumont Hospital for their treatment of Benson.

Shinawil productions, which produces Dancing with the Stars, said the world had “lost a bit of sparkle”.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our wonderful friend Julian Benson,” they said in a statement.

“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 so thanks to his constant effort to better the lives of people around him, especially with the creation of the @jbcffoundation – his legacy will live on forever.

“Julian was one of a kind and will be forever missed.

“The world lost a bit of sparkle today. May he rest in peace.”