Sean Lowe wasn't exactly red-hot on the dance floor with his casino-themed foxtrot on the premiere of Dancing With the Stars on Monday, March 18, but the former Bachelor star tells Us that he impressed the only judge that mattered anyway: Fiance Catherine Giudici.
A sparkly red tuxedo-wearing Lowe, 29, was a bit stiff on the dance floor next to partner Peta Murgatroyd, but the reality TV star and entrepreneur tells Us that he felt "confident" about his performance.
"But confidence doesn't always translate into a great dance," he quipped. Judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Len Goodman picked at Lowe for his lack of fluidity, but Lowe said Giudici, 26, was beaming with pride after he stepped off the dance floor.
"I went over to her and she just said she was so proud of me, and that she loved me," Lowe told Us. "I think she'd give me a 10, I know the judges didn't tonight. That's what a good fiance does."
The Texas native explained that his decision to tackle the dancing challenge came in large part from Giudici's support too.
"Dancing is a challenge and I am one that loves to embrace a challenge and do things outside of my comfort zone," he said. "This certainly fits that mold, and most importantly Catherine was behind me. She was the first person I called after they approached me and she said she would support me and thought it would be a fun opportunity for both of us."
The Seattle-based designer has even been supportive of Lowe through his long hours of dance practice, Lowe said.
"It's tough at times, but lucky for me she understands and supports us and knows Peta's work ethic," he said of spending hours every day training with Murgatroyd. "But when I'm not rehearsing I always make sure to capitalize on our time together."
And besides, Lowe said, Giudici and Murgatroyd have gotten to know each other.
"Peta is certainly a gorgeous girl, anyone can see that, but Catherine is so confident and not worried," he told Us. "And her and Peta have become friends!"