Rewind to this time last year and Samuel Johnson would never have imagined he’d be competing on Dancing With The Stars, let alone making it to the final four.
But the TV WEEK Gold Logie Award winner admits taking part in the reality TV show is the life-changing chapter he well and truly needed in his life.
“I don’t want to peddle some redemptive storyline, but I can’t help it,” Sam, 41, explains to TV WEEK. “I feel changed. I’ve felt better through exercise before, but nothing has provided this kind of rush.”
Samuel’s time on the dance floor with partner Jorja has changed his life.
For Sam, the process has also served as a reminder as to why he agreed to sign up in the first place.
Raising money in memory of his late sister Connie and their charity Love Your Sister, Sam says his younger sibling would be “beyond proud” of him.
He adds that if she were alive today, she would finally be able to “stop worrying” about his welfare.
“I’ve always been a big worry for her,” the actor explains. “I’ve always been such a f—up. But I honestly think she’d look at me now and say, ‘I’m not worried about you anymore.’ It’s pretty cool.”
“I’ve dance my heart out and have nearly $10 million in the bank!”
Sam still stands by his promise to reach his fundraising target of $10 million before he returns to acting. He says the show has renewed his confidence in being able to reach that goal.
“I’ve danced my heart out and nearly have $10 million in the bank, so I think the time for doubting myself is over. I’d say this has brought my confidence back.”
Indeed, with more than $9 million already in the bank, it begs the question: what will Sam do after he hits his milestone?
“I’ve just said no to a big role in something with a really big star because I’m going on a fundraising tour after DWTS,” he says. “I said I wouldn’t act until I got to $10 million. I stand by that. I can’t go back on my word.”
Samuel and his late sister Connie.
He’s not losing faith that he’ll land another big role in the future, though.
“Hopefully I’ll get another offer like that, but I won’t be looking for it,” he says. “If something special pops up, I’ll think about it. Having said that, it still feels as unlikely as it ever has!”
Dancing With The Stars airs Monday, 7.30pm, on 10.
