Dancing with the Stars icon Julian Benson has died after a ‘courageous’ lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis.

The Australian choreographer, 54, made a name for himself as a judge on the Irish edition of the hit show thanks to his exceptional dancing and choreography skills.

Known for his flamboyant and glittering outfits, Julian – who was born in Adelaide to Irish parents before returning to Dublin – was affectionately called ‘Captain Sparkle’.

Julian battled chronic lung condition cystic fibrosis for his entire life and his family announced the sad news of his death in a statement on Saturday.

They said: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the pᴀssing of our beloved Julian Benson.

‘Julian pᴀssed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with cystic fibrosis.

Dancing with the Stars icon Julian Benson (pictured in 2018) has died after a ‘courageous’ lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis 

‘His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end. 

‘A talent agent, dancer, and choreographer, Julian became a household name in 2017 when he joined the judging panel on RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars.

‘Affectionately known as Captain Sparkle for his trademark sparkly, custom-made jackets, he quickly became a show favourite.

‘He will be remembered not only for his quick witty one-liners but also for his unwavering kindness and encouragement towards the contestants.’

Julian’s family also praised the late star for embracing life in spite of the challenges caused by his lung condition.

They added: ‘Rather than let this challenge define him, Julian decided to embrace life fully.

‘He began dancing at the age of four and embarked on a professional career at just 14 – an incredible achievement for anyone, let alone someone living with a chronic lung condition.

‘His determination and pᴀssion became the driving force behind everything he did.’

Julian (pictured in 2022) battled the chronic lung condition for his entire life and his family announced the sad news of his death in a statement on Saturday 

Dancing with the Stars boss and Larry Bᴀss and production company ShinAwiL said Julian will be ‘forever missed’. 

They said in a statement: ‘His atтιтude and outlook on life was ever inspiring and will continue to be thanks to his constant effort to better the lives of people around him, especially with the creation of the Julian Benson CF Foundation – 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.’

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic condition characterised by a buildup of mucus in the lungs. 

Those with the illness currently have an average life expectancy of around 50 years – though treatment options are improving.

In 2018, Julian opened up about his struggles with cystic fibrosis after first being diagnosed at the age of two.

In an emotional episode of The Late Late Show, Julian said he wanted to set up a charity for those with the illness in Ireland, which he proceeded to make a reality in the form of the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Julian’s family praised the late star for embracing life in spite of the challenges caused by his battle with cystic fibrosis

Since the news of his death, tributes have been flocking in with Dancing with the Stars judge Loraine Barry describing him as a ‘beacon of joy and compᴀssion’. 

She said: ‘Despite facing the challenges of cystic fibrosis from a young age, he lived with a heart full of love and an unyielding zest for life.

‘His enthusiasm was truly contagious, inspiring everyone around him to embrace life with love and graтιтude.

‘Julian’s spirit reminds us all to find joy in every moment and to live life to the fullest.’

Fellow judge Karen Byrne described Julian a ‘true gentleman’ on Instagram. 

She wrote: ‘So sad to hear the news of Julian’s pᴀssing. He was a true gentleman and always there to give his advice in this crazy industry that we work in.

‘Captain Sparkle will be truly missed.’

WHAT IS CYSTIC FIBROSIS?

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a faulty gene that a child inherits from both carrier parents.

The gene, known as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), is responsible for controlling the movement of water in and out of cells.

The fault leads to the mucus produced throughout the body becoming thick and building up in the lungs and digestive system.

Classic complications of the condition, which tend to present in infancy, include chronic infections, breathlessness, digestive problems and even infertility.

There are approximately 30,000 cases of CF in the US and nearly 11,000 people in the UK are known to suffer.

No cure currently exists and figures suggest half of sufferers will die before they’re 31.

Source: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation