‘My £25m castle gave me cancer’ claims Michael Flatley – as he reveals £25m bill to make toxic building safe again
MICHAEL Flatley believes his £25m castle gave him cancer due to its unsafe levels of toxic chemicals.
The legendary dancer, 65, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer 18 months ago, but is no longer in treatment after successful surgery.
He is however currently in a legal battle over his stunning period house in Cork, claiming there are unsafe levels of toxic chemical residue at the Castlehyde manor, including on the wall surfaces in the pool, spa and cinema areas.
The family moved out of the incredible 18th Century estate in 2016 after a fire and Michael believes his health deteriorated after he moved back in.
He told the Mail: “I was one of the fittest people in Ireland. But when we moved back in I never felt right, and all of a sudden I got cancer.
“All of a sudden I’ve developed asthma too. How did this happen? We must have been breathing in toxins. We were told to leave immediately and we’ve been living in hotels ever since.”
The Lord of the Dance star and his family moved out last year after experts determined it was unsafe to live in.
He is now suing a renovation contractor and three insurance underwriters over alleged negligence, endangerment, misrepresentation and breach of duty and contract.
All of the allegations are denied and the case is ongoing.
It will cost him £25.6 million to remove the residue – leaving Michael heartbroken.
The repairs include £3.2 million for woodwork, £1.8 million for bespoke plaster works, £2.1 million for décor and £2.9 million for finishes.
Some £8.2 million has been recommended for demolition-related costs and “isolation works” at the house, which is just outside Fermoy.
“I’ve put an absolute fortune and all my love, energy and focus into that home for 25 years. I’ve brought it back to life. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.
Despite the ongoing legal battle Michael is gearing up to tour the UK again this summer – for the first time since retiring back in 2016.
He believes he has been given a second chance after surviving cancer and said: “God gave me this little bit of talent to share with the world.
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“He challenged me by knocking me off my high horse when I got fired from Riverdance and gave me the chance to come back and do it all again. My reward was my beautiful wife and son.
“Who could have imagined an Irish jig would outsell the biggest rock bands in the world? I’m proud of that and all the dancers who give everything to help me achieve my dream.”
