“Physically, my body has been screaming”

The last 12 months have been a roller-coaster for Osher Günsberg.

He readily admits the May 2024 cancellations of both The Bachelor and The Masked Singer – shows he hosted, were significant setbacks.

His pain is also physical as he has osteoarthritis. But relying on the resilience he’s cultivated over the years, he’s found the determination to move forward.
Osher Günsberg is battling through pain on dancing with the stars. (Credit: Channel Seven)

What is Osher Günsberg’s diagnosis?

Having a sudden opening in his 2025 schedule also meant Osher could say “yes” to this year’s Dancing with the Stars – although, after three hip replacement operations and an osteoarthritis diagnosis, he wasn’t 100 per cent sure he’d be able to handle the demands.

Osher has had to learn to live with significant pain over the years.

“When I got the call, my first thought was there’s no way I can do this … but I’m going to say yes,” the 51-year-old told New Idea.

“I also try and live by the motto that ‘even if I will look like a doofus doing a thing, I should definitely do the thing that will make me look like a doofus.’”
Osher Günsberg’ said yes to doing Dancing with the Stars – even if it means he looks like a ‘doofus!’ (Credit: Getty)

Family support

Osher’s unbothered by the fact he hasn’t – yet! – had the kindest feedback from the judges.

“Work on everything,” Helen Richey told him following his slow foxtrot routine in episode one.

“That was an immensely challenging routine for me,” Osher admitted . “I took the judges’ feedback on my chin because all I can control is the amount of effort I put in and I can honestly say I leave everything on the dance floor every time I dance.”

Osher adds that, in addition to the unwavering support from his wife Audrey, positive feedback from his 21-year old stepdaughter Georgia – a “wonderful” dancer and Pilates instructor – has already given him his “Mirror Ball trophy” moment in the competition.

“After my first dance, Georgie told me ‘You were better than I thought you’d be!’ That was the win for me,” Osher told us, adding that there was “no way” he’d quit the competition.
Osher Günsberg said his family has been supportive of his journey on Dancing with the Stars. (Credit: Instagram)

Why does Osher Günsberg have pain?

Osher and Audrey’s son, Wolfie, almost  six, has also been very supportive.

“He was in the training studio with me one day and had brought in his soccer training cones,” Osher said with a laugh.

“He ran around while I was rehearsing, pretending to be the Steadicam operator, who films us during our dances, so I could get used to being followed by a camera on the dance floor.”

But Osher admits he has found training for DWTS physically and mentally gruelling.

“Physically, my body has been screaming,” he said.

“You work like an elite athlete during the training process so I’d have a sauna and ice bath plunge every day after training to handle the pain.”

Filming DWTS in the same studios where he shot five of Australian Idol’s seven seasons and several of The Masked Singer also proved to be a surprising challenge too.
Osher Günsberg admitted it was a strange feeling to return to the Australian Idol studios while filming Dancing with the Stars. (Credit: Network Ten)

What’s next for Osher?

“I wasn’t prepared for how it would feel to work in that space again, alongside so many crew I knew, but in such a different capacity,” Osher said candidly.

“I spent such a long time being the Sonia or Dr Chris in the scenario. It took some adjusting to be on the other side of the microphone.”

But Osher adds that “no learning experience is ever a waste” and he’s immensely glad to be stepping out on screen again.

He’s also set to release his second book on August 5. So What? Now What? is an illustrated guide to dealing with life’s tough moments, without spiralling.

“It’s a graphic novel that covers off tools I’ve used to help me get through painful times,” Osher said. “I’m incredibly proud of it.”

“I’m doing this show for my kids,” he added. “It’s important for me to show them that we can all do hard stuff. And this is bloody hard – but so worth it.”