Shane brought out a new side to me..

Dancer Karen hails rugby hero

- SANDRA MALLON

DANCING With The Stars pro Karen Byrne said she felt like Shane Byrne brought out a "new side" to her.

She has been paired up with celebrities for six series of the RTE show and even lifted the Glitterball trophy with now-boyfriend Jake Carter on the second series of the Sunday night hit.

But Karen, 30, admitted after being so long on the series, the Dubliner thought she "had her day" - before she met former rugby star Shane.

She said: "It's mad to think this is the sixth season of the show.

"I can't believe that was six years and then obviously to win in season two.