Michael Flatley's emotional cancer diagnosis thought process as he feared he 'wouldn't come out'

Michael Flatley shared an emotional reflection on his recent cancer diagnosis as fans tuned in for the season finale of The Late Late Show on Friday night, marking the end of Patrick Kielty's inaugural season hosting the beloved chat show.

Following some light-hearted banter about it being his "last" show, to the audience's amusement, Patrick Kielty introduced Michael Flatley as his first guest.

The 65 year old dance legend, known for creating the international sensations Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, joined Patrick for a heartfelt conversation about his illustrious life and career.

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Patrick delved into the memorable evening in April 1994 when Flatley first presented the now-iconic Riverdance during the Eurovision Song Contest interval at Dublin's Point Theatre. Reflecting on the famous night, Flatley recounted the overwhelming emotions he saw in his usually "composed" mother after she witnessed her son living out his "dream".

"Having worked so hard, I was like a loaded slingshot," he said. "I couldn't wait to come flying out on that stag. And after that roar, we came walking down this corridor to what I guess was the green room, and my mother was there crying," reports the Irish Mirror.

He expressed how deeply it moved him, saying, "I can't explain to you, but my mother is very composed and you would never see her reacting like that, but the fact she was there on that night that meant the world to me. She finally realised what I had worked so hard for all these years to do."

The conversation took a deeper turn when Patrick queried Flatley about his recent health scare - battling cancer, which he credits to having a "positive mental attitude" and the supportive stance of his wife Niamh.

Flatley expressed: "I think having a positive mental attitude always helps. I'm not going to lie, it wasn't easy. Getting the news was tough, when you have cancer, it's not an easy thing to take in. I'm very blessed, I'm married to the greatest girl in the world who looks after me and believes in me and stood beside me."

He emotionally shared his mindset during his treatment process that bolstered a new outlook on his life's work. "Going through the whole ordeal, I suppose I prepared myself for it, but I really wasn't 100% prepared when the time came. It was all fine until I got on the trolley and then the two nurses went to get the anaesthesia. When you're lying on that gurney in that freezing cold hallway, staring up at that white ceiling, you quickly realise you came into this world on your own and you leave on your own."

Even though Flatley's successful career includes accolades such as a world dance title, flute title, Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, his diagnosis prompted introspection over whether he had accomplished everything he desired in his life.

He reflected: "I started to think to myself really quickly: 'have I done enough? Have I given enough of myself? Have I helped enough people? ' I'm always saying follow your dream - did I do enough things myself? Did I go after everything that I said I would? ".

His thoughts also turned to his family amid the health scare, particularly his wife and son who share his name, Michael. "What if I didn't come out? There's a chance that I won't come out of this. Then I started thinking about my wife and son. I can't explain the love that I have for my family. I can't explain the love I have for Ireland and the Irish people. I can't explain the love I have for life."

He expressed gratitude for his life's blessings, saying, "It really hits me how blessed I have been (with) what God has given me. It's come full circle. Even this whiskey we're launching at the Mansion House where I won my World Championship back in 1975. We're coming full circle now and we're so blessed."

Flatley then touched on the fleeting nature of life with his own take on an age-old saying.

"There's this American word 'pasttime'. I could never understand that. What does 'pasttime' mean? There's not enough time."

The event was further enlivened when Flatley was joined by his old friend Matt Molloy, hailed as the "greatest flute player in the world" from the Chieftains. Together, they played a tune for those gathered.

Fans on social media were captivated by Michael Flatley's "infectious" chat with Patrick, with one user commenting: "I'm going to put it out there, I've a huge amount of respect for Michael Flatley. I read an article about the amount of work he put into making his life a success, never giving up."

Another chimed in: "Michael Flatley, such a well spoken man. His pride and emotion for the Riverdance is infectious."

Meanwhile, a third humorously remarked: "Correct me if I'm wrong here but getting a strong vibe that Michael Flatley might be releasing a new whiskey? " This was after multiple mentions of his new venture, Flatley Whiskey, which he's currently promoting.

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