Just what the doctor ordered for Rory

DWTS routine in honour of medic who treats his HIV

- LAURA COLGAN

DRAG artist Rory O’Neill smashed the stigma of HIV with a routine in honour of the doctor who treats him for the condition. 

Rory, who is part of Dancing With The Stars’ first male duo, earned immunity during Dedicated Dance Week which saw the contestants perform in honour of their heroes.

He scored the first 10 of the series after he took off his drag to perform in honour of Dr Fiona Mulcahy who has treated him for HIV for the past 27 years.

Rory, 54, aka Panti Bliss, and partner Denys Samson danced a Paso Doble to It’s A Sin.

He said: “I was diagnosed in 1996. She told me that I probably could live five to 10 years if I was lucky.

“I was only 27 at the time. I knew people already who had died from AIDS-related illnesses. Today, HIV is an easily managed condition. It is serious this week what we’re doing. Performing out of drag shows that in a way.

“It’s important to realise you can be a 54-year-old living with HIV and still dancing live on TV every Sunday and making a fool of yourself.