The RTÉ show, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox standing in for Doireann Garrihy, will return on Sundays from January 4 on RTÉ One.
It will feature 12 celebrities teaming up with a professional dancer to perform a live routine every week, with each pair having just seven days to practice.
They will be scored by four judges: Oti Mabuse, who replaced Loraine Barry after she departed the series, Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne, as well as the viewing public at home, with the winning couple claiming the Glitterball Trophy.
Three celebrities taking part in the series will be revealed on The Late Late Show tonight.
Here are all the contestants announced so far for Dancing with the Stars.
Judges: Brian Redmond (far left), Karen Byrne, Arthur Gourounlian, and Oti Mabuse; hosts Laura Fox and Jennifer Zamparelli. Photo: Barry McCall
Ireland AM host Eric Roberts
The social media star has recently joined Ireland AM on weekends alongside Elaine Crowley and is now following in his co-host’s footsteps to hit the DWTS dancefloor.
Earlier this year, the Donegal native (34) launched his debut children’s book, Gary the Stinky Goose, inspired by his years as a Special Needs Assistant in Donegal.
He said: “I’m so excited to get stuck into training and equally terrified at what lies ahead. I’ve been a fan of the show for years, and some of my friends have taken part and told me how amazing the experience is and also how difficult it can be.”
“My family were so excited when I told them the news. It’s so surreal to me, and I don’t think it will actually hit home until the show is kicking off, but hopefully I’ll be up for the challenge,” he added.
Ireland AM host Eric Roberts announced as the sixth contestant. Photo: Barry McCall
Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh
Best known for winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland with the ballad In Your Eyes in 1993, singer Niamh Kavanagh (57) said she is both “excited” and “nervous” about taking to the dancefloor.
The mother-of-two, who lives with her husband in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, did ballet for about six months when she was 12 and has performed in pantomimes.
“I am beside myself but trying to act all cool — like it’s no bother,” she said. “It would be a lie to say I’m not nervous; stepping into the unknown publicly brings its own nerves.
“However, what I mostly am is excited. I don’t have to be good at this, but I’ll work hard to get as good as I can.”
Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh revealed as first DWTS contestant. Photo: Barry McCall
Traitors star Paudie Moloney
Paudie Moloney (68) will hit RTÉ’s dancefloor after winning over the country earlier this year on The Traitors Ireland with his typical Irish dad’s forthrightness, which struck a chord with viewers.
Since the show, the retired prison officer has appeared on The Late Late Show alongside his son and fellow The Traitors contestant Andrew Moloney, and has been cast as the Wizard in a Dublin Christmas panto, Olly Goes to Oz.
The Limerick man said he is “very excited” about taking part in the show but also “a little apprehensive” at the same time.
“My close family are very excited about me doing it, and they can’t wait to see the show. Some friends think I’m mad, but are also excited for me. I know the grandkids will be delighted and mortified at the same time,” he added.
The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney joins DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall
Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins
The 65th Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins (21) from a village on the Laois-Kilkenny border, said she is “beyond grateful” and “so excited” to be a contestant in the series.
The first-ever Laois Rose to hold the title, who is an apprentice electrician planning to pursue an engineering degree, is no stranger to taking to the dancefloor, as she won over audiences last summer with her jiving skills on stage in Tralee.
“Since August 19, when I was handed the International Rose of Tralee sash, I promised myself that I would take every opportunity that came my way and make the most of this amazing year,” she said.
“From Irish dancing to set dancing and school musicals, dance has always been something I’ve enjoyed. It’s a completely new world to me, a big change from the Snickers and steel-toe cap boots, but I can’t wait to get stuck in and give it my all.”
Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins has been revealed as a third contestant on DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall
Comedian Michael Fry
Trading stand-up for Foxtrot, the comedian and actor Michael Fry (31) from Navan, Co Meath, said he is “nervous about the physical challenge” but “very excited” to learn how to dance.
Best known for his viral sketches and musical parodies on social media, the ambassador for Seachtain na Gaeilge in 2025 previously appeared in Derry Girls and Holding, the TV adaptation of Graham Norton’s novel.
“I’m very excited to be learning how to dance in a way that doesn’t suggest I’m utterly ashamed of myself. Other than at weddings, I’ve got zero dance experience as an adult, but I did Irish dancing and stage school when I was a child. I won a trophy for Irish dancing, and it’s the only trophy I own.
“I am nervous about such a physical challenge because I’m extremely unfit. I’ve treated my body badly over the years, and we’re about to find out just how badly. I’m hoping there’s an artful way to bend over with a stitch mid-routine,” he added.
Michael Fry is announced as fourth contestant of the series. Photo: Barry McCall
Fair City star Stephanie Kelly
Best known as Sash Bishop from RTÉ’s long-running soap opera Fair City, Stephanie Kelly (37) has said she is “absolutely buzzing and scarlet to be part of this season’s DWTS”.
A mother of three from Ballymun in Dublin, who is one of the current longest-serving cast members in Fair City history, said she “can’t believe she agreed to do it” as she “cannot dance for the life of me”.
“I have no experience, and sure, I couldn’t even name half of the dances that are involved. I don’t know what’s scarier – trying to dance to actual choreography in front of the nation or the fact I have to wear heels while doing it.
Stephanie Kelly is the fifth celebrity joining the DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall
“My kids are so excited to see their mammy dancing on TV. My eldest boy told me not to worry if I fall because ‘sure it’ll be funny,’” she added.
Olympian rower and doctor Philip Doyle
Best known for his bronze medal-winning performance in Paris, rower and doctor Philip Doyle said that while his friends are looking forward to him, he expects that “they will enjoy the steps I get wrong more than the ones I get right.”
Although he has limited dance experience, the 33year-old from Banbridge, county Down is keen to learn salsa and is looking forward to stepping outside of his comfort zone, and said that he “really gets a buzz off pushing myself out of my comfort zone.”
Philip Doyle is the sixth contestant joining DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall
Musician Tolü Makay Nigerian-Irish singer, songwriter, and performer Tolü Makay, became a household name overnight following her 2021 rendition of N17 by The Saw Doctors was featured in RTÉ’s New Year’s Eve broadcast, backed by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
“I’ve been craving something that’s challenging but still fun, and when DWTS landed in my inbox it felt right to say yes,” the 31 year-old said.
Ms Makay said that she has spent the last number of years with her “head down, building, experimenting, learning, and pushing,” and is excited to lean into “life outside the grind.”
Tolü Makay is the seventh contestant to be named for DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall
Podcaster Amber Wilson
Best known for co-hosting Vogue & Amber with her sister Vogue Williams, Amber Wilson said that the “glitz and glam” of the DWTS wardrobe will feel “right at home.”
Ms Wilson will be the first female to be paired up with a female professional dancer and believes that “it’s important for audiences to see diverse and authentic representation,” and feels “privileged to have the opportunity to stand on that stage and represent my community.”
Amber Wilson is the eighth contest named for the upcoming season of DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.independent.ie ’
