Michael Flatley's heartbreaking comments on wife Niamh, who was his 'missing piece'

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Michael Flatley announced the heartbreaking passing of his beloved wife of 20 years, Niamh O'Brien, on Monday. 

The couple, who share a son, Michael Saint James, performed together in the Irish dance show set up by Flatley titled Lord Of The Dance.

Back in 2007, Michael opened up about his love story with Niamh during their exclusive pregnancy photoshoot with HELLO!.

During the conversation, Michael covered every aspect of his love for Niamh, from the thing he loved about her the most to how they navigated going from friends to lovers over on a particular December evening in 2005.

Talking about how his world changed since becoming a husband and father-to-be, Michael said: "My world now revolves around Niamh, home and impending fatherhood. I'm settled.

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"It's a beautiful feeling of contentment to have found that one person who I can always count on, who I know can always count on me. Forget the houses, yachts, money and success; it doesn't buy you happiness, and it ultimately means nothing without real love. Niamh's the missing piece in my life."

As for what he loves most about Niamh, Michael continued: "I'll tell you what, it was worth waiting for this woman. The best thing is that she knows every flaw I have - and God knows I have enough of them - and she still loves me. She's the most beautiful girl in the world, both inside and out, as well as being highly intelligent, sincere and loyal."

Going from "best friends" to lovers

Talking about how his relationship with Niamh progressed from colleague to future wife, Michael explained that one Christmas party in 2005 changed everything. 

"Niamh was one of my best friends, a real rock of support to me, and I think there had always been a chemistry between us, but the timing was never right," he told us at the time. 

Michael continued. "When she came to my house for a Christmas party in 2005, wearing a red dress that I'll never forget, something just clicked. Looking back, I think I realised I loved her in that moment. I caught her eye, and she took my breath away. I couldn't stop putting my arm around her all night. It felt different - much stronger than friendship. 

"As 2006 progressed, we spent more and more time together, and I knew there was no way I could let this woman go."