Michael Flatley on the love of his life

Michael Flatley's world — for so long crammed full of fast cars, fast women and fast living, as well as fast feet — has changed "immeasurably".

But who would have thought it — fatherhood has finally tamed Flatley. Three years ago, he married dancer Niamh O'Brien and in April 2007 they had a son, Michael St James Flatley.

Since then, his world has changed. He seems a bit shocked at how much.

"Five years ago, when 6am rolled round, I was just getting the key in the front door from a big night out...Now 6am comes and Michael is jumping on my tummy shouting at me to rebuild the track for Thomas the Tank Engine.

"It's a different world."

Niamh had been in his life for many years before they got together. She was a teenage dancer when he started Riverdance and spent many years observing her boss's life.

So, what changed in their relationship, turning it from professional friendship into love?

"She was there from the very first day I created Riverdance," he explains. "She was there for all that hard work. She gave me strength.

"Everything is that speed for me. But I think there is an awful lot to be said for having a rock solid person beside you. Often, Niamh doesn't have to say anything. She is just there.

"She knows everything about me, every fault — and believe me there are about a million of them.

"I'm not perfect. I never was perfect. And the chances are, I never will be perfect.

"All I can do now is be the best husband and father I can. And if the little guy thinks I'm perfect and my wife thinks I'm doing a good job, then I'm OK."

Dancing from Dubai

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