{"id":2197123,"date":"2025-12-13T00:24:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T00:24:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2197123"},"modified":"2025-12-13T00:24:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T00:24:13","slug":"eurovision-winner-fair-city-star-and-rose-of-tralee-here-are-all-the-dancing-with-the-stars-contestants-announced-so-far","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/eurovision-winner-fair-city-star-and-rose-of-tralee-here-are-all-the-dancing-with-the-stars-contestants-announced-so-far\/","title":{"rendered":"Eurovision winner, Fair City star and Rose of Tralee \u2013 here are all the Dancing with the Stars contestants announced so far"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"article-body\">\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">The RT\u00c9 show, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox standing in for Doireann Garrihy, will return on Sundays from January 4 on RT\u00c9 One.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Three celebrities taking part in the series will be revealed on <span class=\"italic\">The Late Late Show <\/span>tonight.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Here are all the contestants announced so far for <span class=\"italic\">Dancing with the Stars<\/span>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_root indo-90c71878_placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:72.05555555555556%\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_content\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Judges: Brian Redmond (far left), Karen Byrne, Arthur Gourounlian, and Oti Mabuse; hosts Laura Fox and Jennifer Zamparelli. Photo: Barry McCall\" src=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/B2lGx8OT0-3boXITnZ12ZsNBB-8=\/0x0:1800x1297\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026\/cf40d571-37e9-4f08-b36f-ced1ae3bc082\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" data-testid=\"article-image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/w5mSiMbGa3PK9MJKC-PoY0nqCSI=\/0x0:1800x1297\/fit-in\/120x80\/prod-mh-ireland\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026\/cf40d571-37e9-4f08-b36f-ced1ae3bc082\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026.jpg 120w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/jyFoRHQ32sg-HJSe0YpUgo9KtrU=\/0x0:1800x1297\/fit-in\/160x107\/prod-mh-ireland\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026\/cf40d571-37e9-4f08-b36f-ced1ae3bc082\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026.jpg 160w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/_uLX1SM1jpm7cYCmI1SUDTxPkH0=\/0x0:1800x1297\/fit-in\/320x213\/prod-mh-ireland\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026\/cf40d571-37e9-4f08-b36f-ced1ae3bc082\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026.jpg 320w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/TujcO_ATNavlrZAVf6WBUuuDsJQ=\/0x0:1800x1297\/fit-in\/640x427\/prod-mh-ireland\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026\/cf40d571-37e9-4f08-b36f-ced1ae3bc082\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026.jpg 640w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/B2lGx8OT0-3boXITnZ12ZsNBB-8=\/0x0:1800x1297\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026\/cf40d571-37e9-4f08-b36f-ced1ae3bc082\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026.jpg 960w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/cK3FBGD2hhiwGmof7KmG1ZMPVZs=\/0x0:1800x1297\/fit-in\/1280x853\/prod-mh-ireland\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026\/cf40d571-37e9-4f08-b36f-ced1ae3bc082\/88a4fb8b-bcf3-452f-9ecd-f42e58e25026.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_caption1 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_regular indo-1d70522a_marginbottom0 indo-1d70522a_marginleft0 indo-1d70522a_marginright0 indo-1d70522a_margintop3 indo-b48c4984_left\" style=\"color:var(--color-grey-60)\">Judges: Brian Redmond (far left), Karen Byrne, Arthur Gourounlian, and Oti Mabuse; hosts Laura Fox and Jennifer Zamparelli. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_heading5 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_bold indo-1d70522a_marginbottom3 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-text-grey-base)\" data-testid=\"subhead\">Ireland AM host Eric Roberts<\/h3>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">The social media star has recently joined Ireland AM on weekends alongside Elaine Crowley and is now following in his co-host&#8217;s footsteps to hit the DWTS dancefloor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Earlier this year, the Donegal native (34) launched his debut children\u2019s book, Gary the Stinky Goose, inspired by his years as a Special Needs Assistant in Donegal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">He said: \u201cI\u2019m so excited to get stuck into training and equally terrified at what lies ahead. I\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">\u201cMy family were so excited when I told them the news. It\u2019s so surreal to me, and I don\u2019t think it will actually hit home until the show is kicking off, but hopefully I\u2019ll be up for the challenge,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<div class=\"indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_root indo-90c71878_placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:95.22222222222221%\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_content\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ireland AM host Eric Roberts announced as the sixth contestant. Photo: Barry McCall\" src=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/WMU7vAfXOspHBfV8_G9_LnY8LJQ=\/0x0:1800x1714\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79\/46103357-259f-4476-bf8a-117213a9405a\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" data-testid=\"article-image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/HULWDSfIhaMO9jU0tqs765AETYg=\/0x0:1800x1714\/fit-in\/120x80\/prod-mh-ireland\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79\/46103357-259f-4476-bf8a-117213a9405a\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79.jpg 120w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/PRm7DVi9TWNniTdQZcLPgRKOAfE=\/0x0:1800x1714\/fit-in\/160x107\/prod-mh-ireland\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79\/46103357-259f-4476-bf8a-117213a9405a\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79.jpg 160w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/CuuSUUdlKQ_KNMhjgjMXMOlWEeE=\/0x0:1800x1714\/fit-in\/320x213\/prod-mh-ireland\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79\/46103357-259f-4476-bf8a-117213a9405a\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79.jpg 320w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/80HN4nzV5qEGDYDffFdMY_1so4U=\/0x0:1800x1714\/fit-in\/640x427\/prod-mh-ireland\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79\/46103357-259f-4476-bf8a-117213a9405a\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79.jpg 640w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/WMU7vAfXOspHBfV8_G9_LnY8LJQ=\/0x0:1800x1714\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79\/46103357-259f-4476-bf8a-117213a9405a\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79.jpg 960w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/SWSgWkXZWCs2Lo-APKtmbkUfC9c=\/0x0:1800x1714\/fit-in\/1280x853\/prod-mh-ireland\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79\/46103357-259f-4476-bf8a-117213a9405a\/dd42c0aa-f8ee-4ece-912f-41ec70e8ed79.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_caption1 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_regular indo-1d70522a_marginbottom0 indo-1d70522a_marginleft0 indo-1d70522a_marginright0 indo-1d70522a_margintop3 indo-b48c4984_left\" style=\"color:var(--color-grey-60)\">Ireland AM host Eric Roberts announced as the sixth contestant. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_heading5 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_bold indo-1d70522a_marginbottom3 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-text-grey-base)\" data-testid=\"subhead\">Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh<\/h3>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Best known for winning the \u00adEurovision Song Contest for Ireland with the ballad <span class=\"italic\">In Your Eyes<\/span> in 1993, singer Niamh Kavanagh (57) said she is both \u201cexcited\u201d and \u201cnervous\u201d about taking to the dancefloor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">\u201cI am beside myself but trying to act all cool \u2014 like it\u2019s no bother,\u201d she said. \u201cIt would be a lie to say I\u2019m not nervous; stepping into the unknown publicly brings its own nerves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">\u201cHowever, what I mostly am is \u00adexcited. I don\u2019t have to be good at this, but I\u2019ll work hard to get as good as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_root indo-90c71878_placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:95.21428571428572%\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_content\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh revealed as first DWTS contestant. Photo: Barry McCall\" src=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/ayYW0FdLD8JC62BZu4BeuEPMk7Q=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c\/fd5b77db-f8cd-43d9-9481-8085caf5218e\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" data-testid=\"article-image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/I6QJKRWWRX5RnoMIljmb6y7o5zQ=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/120x80\/prod-mh-ireland\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c\/fd5b77db-f8cd-43d9-9481-8085caf5218e\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c.jpg 120w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/fPb7h3PHJZ5CoxHvaWhxyo4JhOc=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/160x107\/prod-mh-ireland\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c\/fd5b77db-f8cd-43d9-9481-8085caf5218e\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c.jpg 160w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/D0eS9CmdPi-Wu0Abe6wfBTyGwns=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/320x213\/prod-mh-ireland\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c\/fd5b77db-f8cd-43d9-9481-8085caf5218e\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c.jpg 320w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/7JtiPHUitRcMs0scdQej6_6RcW8=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/640x427\/prod-mh-ireland\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c\/fd5b77db-f8cd-43d9-9481-8085caf5218e\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c.jpg 640w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/ayYW0FdLD8JC62BZu4BeuEPMk7Q=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c\/fd5b77db-f8cd-43d9-9481-8085caf5218e\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c.jpg 960w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/ea6vxhAo8pFQqkqlJsDfELIzJno=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/1280x853\/prod-mh-ireland\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c\/fd5b77db-f8cd-43d9-9481-8085caf5218e\/67079622-8590-4259-9eae-41146f73575c.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_caption1 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_regular indo-1d70522a_marginbottom0 indo-1d70522a_marginleft0 indo-1d70522a_marginright0 indo-1d70522a_margintop3 indo-b48c4984_left\" style=\"color:var(--color-grey-60)\">Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh revealed as first DWTS contestant. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_heading5 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_bold indo-1d70522a_marginbottom3 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-text-grey-base)\" data-testid=\"subhead\">Traitors star Paudie Moloney<\/h3>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Paudie Moloney (68) will hit RT\u00c9&#8217;s dancefloor after winning over the country earlier this year on <span class=\"italic\">The Traitors Ireland<\/span> with his typical Irish dad\u2019s forthrightness, which struck a chord with viewers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Since the show, the retired prison officer has appeared on <span class=\"italic\">The Late Late Show<\/span> alongside his son and fellow <span class=\"italic\">The Traitors<\/span> contestant Andrew Moloney, and has been cast as the Wizard in a Dublin Christmas panto, <span class=\"italic\">Olly Goes to Oz<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">The Limerick man said he is \u201cvery excited\u201d about taking part in the show but also \u201ca little apprehensive&#8221; at the same time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">&#8220;My close family are very excited about me doing it, and they can\u2019t wait to see the show. Some friends think I\u2019m mad, but are also excited for me. I know the grandkids will be delighted and mortified at the same time,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<div class=\"indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_root indo-90c71878_placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:95.16666666666667%\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_content\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney joins DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall\" src=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/lgwC_3_TX2gVHzhv1N4RheUrtgM=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05\/f9b25dcb-4507-4071-973c-1d5b410885b1\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" data-testid=\"article-image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/y8lTJ_S-aQyTpDqRW3FoRU-7tXs=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/120x80\/prod-mh-ireland\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05\/f9b25dcb-4507-4071-973c-1d5b410885b1\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05.jpg 120w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/bpf_tC0jeFmql6y_49fsPnwxUgE=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/160x107\/prod-mh-ireland\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05\/f9b25dcb-4507-4071-973c-1d5b410885b1\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05.jpg 160w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/WpMDGDDs-lWvXeYIT_TNPTsRMA4=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/320x213\/prod-mh-ireland\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05\/f9b25dcb-4507-4071-973c-1d5b410885b1\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05.jpg 320w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/zkIy-rk5gO39s-9oAVGlynkd_Bc=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/640x427\/prod-mh-ireland\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05\/f9b25dcb-4507-4071-973c-1d5b410885b1\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05.jpg 640w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/lgwC_3_TX2gVHzhv1N4RheUrtgM=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05\/f9b25dcb-4507-4071-973c-1d5b410885b1\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05.jpg 960w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/tVwEk4wZaJgen5hvBbSD6BgPzZo=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/1280x853\/prod-mh-ireland\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05\/f9b25dcb-4507-4071-973c-1d5b410885b1\/6a9c9637-5c02-434c-9ac5-0fe4e6e5da05.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_caption1 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_regular indo-1d70522a_marginbottom0 indo-1d70522a_marginleft0 indo-1d70522a_marginright0 indo-1d70522a_margintop3 indo-b48c4984_left\" style=\"color:var(--color-grey-60)\">The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney joins DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_heading5 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_bold indo-1d70522a_marginbottom3 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-text-grey-base)\" data-testid=\"subhead\">Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins<\/h3>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">The 65th Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins (21) from a village on the Laois-Kilkenny border, said she is \u201cbeyond grateful\u201d and \u201cso excited\u201d to be a contestant in the series.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">\u201cSince 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">\u201cFrom Irish dancing to set dancing and school musicals, dance has always been something I&#8217;ve enjoyed. It&#8217;s a completely new world to me, a big change from the Snickers and steel-toe cap boots, but I can&#8217;t wait to get stuck in and give it my all.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_root indo-90c71878_placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:95.21428571428572%\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_content\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins has been revealed as a third contestant on DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall\" src=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/0-volJYEATB4s0NSLGo2V_d8TM4=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a\/80618cb0-e103-4f1f-b369-24d7217956e3\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" data-testid=\"article-image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/h2hy_SItpbBMUqJDF7ER6iIW1s0=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/120x80\/prod-mh-ireland\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a\/80618cb0-e103-4f1f-b369-24d7217956e3\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a.jpg 120w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/WsdzMIeeHBqHUQhFIh61iF_u-yY=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/160x107\/prod-mh-ireland\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a\/80618cb0-e103-4f1f-b369-24d7217956e3\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a.jpg 160w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/8zotvpKjb9gSFqW5qHq5ZxwzErQ=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/320x213\/prod-mh-ireland\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a\/80618cb0-e103-4f1f-b369-24d7217956e3\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a.jpg 320w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/y8GceWREVWYQ7Qz0R9OliHk8Xr8=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/640x427\/prod-mh-ireland\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a\/80618cb0-e103-4f1f-b369-24d7217956e3\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a.jpg 640w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/0-volJYEATB4s0NSLGo2V_d8TM4=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a\/80618cb0-e103-4f1f-b369-24d7217956e3\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a.jpg 960w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/YOVOD5t3WBMsqwEyZHrKHDslVzg=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/1280x853\/prod-mh-ireland\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a\/80618cb0-e103-4f1f-b369-24d7217956e3\/678ee4c4-b5af-40d0-99a8-05c49966da1a.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_caption1 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_regular indo-1d70522a_marginbottom0 indo-1d70522a_marginleft0 indo-1d70522a_marginright0 indo-1d70522a_margintop3 indo-b48c4984_left\" style=\"color:var(--color-grey-60)\">Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins has been revealed as a third contestant on DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_heading5 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_bold indo-1d70522a_marginbottom3 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-text-grey-base)\" data-testid=\"subhead\">Comedian Michael Fry<\/h3>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Trading stand-up for Foxtrot, the comedian and actor Michael Fry (31) from Navan, Co Meath, said he is \u201cnervous about the physical challenge\u201d but \u201cvery excited\u201d to learn how to dance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Best known for his viral sketches and musical parodies on social media, the ambassador for Seachtain na Gaeilge in 2025 previously appeared in <span class=\"italic\">Derry Girls<\/span> and <span class=\"italic\">Holding<\/span>, the TV adaptation of Graham Norton\u2019s novel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">\u201cI\u2019m very excited to be learning how to dance in a way that doesn\u2019t suggest I\u2019m utterly ashamed of myself. Other than at weddings, I\u2019ve 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\u2019s the only trophy I own.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">&#8220;I am nervous about such a physical challenge because I\u2019m extremely unfit. I\u2019ve treated my body badly over the years, and we\u2019re about to find out just how badly. I\u2019m hoping there\u2019s an artful way to bend over with a stitch mid-routine,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<div class=\"indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_root indo-90c71878_placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:95.21428571428572%\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_content\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Michael Fry is announced as fourth contestant of the series. Photo: Barry McCall\" src=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/9NP5raJsZIF2BR5IvYotPqgZIxE=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09\/48acc198-d902-43b8-8e09-3065f72eac91\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" data-testid=\"article-image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/w_cwd2Va23XORkG9OXPKBylkst0=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/120x80\/prod-mh-ireland\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09\/48acc198-d902-43b8-8e09-3065f72eac91\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09.jpg 120w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/tP9SIywYrn2WLthfwBGhpBdYveU=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/160x107\/prod-mh-ireland\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09\/48acc198-d902-43b8-8e09-3065f72eac91\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09.jpg 160w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/NOt8VL3IDR4OOBtYz7P20s2zu-U=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/320x213\/prod-mh-ireland\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09\/48acc198-d902-43b8-8e09-3065f72eac91\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09.jpg 320w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/GBNzbIvAYpBzOgsG7E8WHlCnJ5E=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/640x427\/prod-mh-ireland\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09\/48acc198-d902-43b8-8e09-3065f72eac91\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09.jpg 640w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/9NP5raJsZIF2BR5IvYotPqgZIxE=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09\/48acc198-d902-43b8-8e09-3065f72eac91\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09.jpg 960w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/ceIXoP8A03qHgbDumcDG6LUm6bY=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/1280x853\/prod-mh-ireland\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09\/48acc198-d902-43b8-8e09-3065f72eac91\/3c3ae4ef-cd84-4df9-b899-837fa8d3cb09.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_caption1 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_regular indo-1d70522a_marginbottom0 indo-1d70522a_marginleft0 indo-1d70522a_marginright0 indo-1d70522a_margintop3 indo-b48c4984_left\" style=\"color:var(--color-grey-60)\">Michael Fry is announced as fourth contestant of the series. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_heading5 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_bold indo-1d70522a_marginbottom3 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-text-grey-base)\" data-testid=\"subhead\">Fair City star Stephanie Kelly<\/h3>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Best known as Sash Bishop from RT\u00c9\u2019s long-running soap opera <span class=\"italic\">Fair City<\/span>, Stephanie Kelly (37) has said she is \u201cabsolutely buzzing and scarlet to be part of this season&#8217;s <span class=\"italic\">DWTS<\/span>\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">A mother of three from Ballymun in Dublin, who is one of the current longest-serving cast members in <span class=\"italic\">Fair City<\/span> history, said she \u201ccan\u2019t believe she agreed to do it\u201d as she \u201ccannot dance for the life of me\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">\u201cI have no experience, and sure, I couldn\u2019t even name half of the dances that are involved. I don\u2019t know what\u2019s scarier \u2013 trying to dance to actual choreography in front of the nation or the fact I have to wear heels while doing it.<\/p>\n<div class=\"indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_root indo-90c71878_placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:95.16666666666667%\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_content\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Stephanie Kelly is the fifth celebrity joining the DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall\" src=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/0v-2KvHht2gnB6U1ykqKaX9-KEM=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c\/d88d5c1a-aa4f-4ffb-977d-f6c74bbe3a98\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" data-testid=\"article-image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/A6kZ2-9r1lGijNTZHTMMTm6D7Og=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/120x80\/prod-mh-ireland\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c\/d88d5c1a-aa4f-4ffb-977d-f6c74bbe3a98\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c.jpg 120w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/3704ZupXFJozGovR-4Ry3JLkKw0=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/160x107\/prod-mh-ireland\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c\/d88d5c1a-aa4f-4ffb-977d-f6c74bbe3a98\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c.jpg 160w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/x90cKbT9TYZiN9mub36FsxpclnM=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/320x213\/prod-mh-ireland\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c\/d88d5c1a-aa4f-4ffb-977d-f6c74bbe3a98\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c.jpg 320w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/K1nAL_iTvOljpe1h1tuahlbDEkk=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/640x427\/prod-mh-ireland\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c\/d88d5c1a-aa4f-4ffb-977d-f6c74bbe3a98\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c.jpg 640w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/0v-2KvHht2gnB6U1ykqKaX9-KEM=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c\/d88d5c1a-aa4f-4ffb-977d-f6c74bbe3a98\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c.jpg 960w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/ZSrfGpI_GXPF_ExWHTRElR5ScNU=\/0x0:1800x1713\/fit-in\/1280x853\/prod-mh-ireland\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c\/d88d5c1a-aa4f-4ffb-977d-f6c74bbe3a98\/5af46c83-c510-4247-85c8-85e7ff39a77c.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_caption1 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_regular indo-1d70522a_marginbottom0 indo-1d70522a_marginleft0 indo-1d70522a_marginright0 indo-1d70522a_margintop3 indo-b48c4984_left\" style=\"color:var(--color-grey-60)\">Stephanie Kelly is the fifth celebrity joining the DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">\u201cMy kids are so excited to see their mammy dancing on TV. My eldest boy told me not to worry if I fall because &#8216;sure it\u2019ll be funny,\u2019\u201d she added.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_heading5 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_bold indo-1d70522a_marginbottom3 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-text-grey-base)\" data-testid=\"subhead\">Olympian rower and doctor Philip Doyle <\/h3>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">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 \u201cthey will enjoy the steps I get wrong more than the ones I get right.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\"> 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 \u201creally gets a buzz off pushing myself out of my comfort zone.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_root indo-90c71878_placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:95.21428571428572%\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_content\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Philip Doyle is the sixth contestant joining DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall\" src=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/eRlSj1ilB431BZz870u0MH_ckss=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a\/1b7d3ccf-cb88-4064-a187-e8d358636ca0\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" data-testid=\"article-image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/6yB2lyjL3zSFQ-N1aqudDmOGRpc=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/120x80\/prod-mh-ireland\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a\/1b7d3ccf-cb88-4064-a187-e8d358636ca0\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a.jpg 120w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/Iogevq1NK0ZU7zIzMnNa4dJ2zXE=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/160x107\/prod-mh-ireland\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a\/1b7d3ccf-cb88-4064-a187-e8d358636ca0\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a.jpg 160w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/kCmvFRKpk_juH38zNsfj4d16Irs=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/320x213\/prod-mh-ireland\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a\/1b7d3ccf-cb88-4064-a187-e8d358636ca0\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a.jpg 320w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/En_NKlhnltSvNNt6zEuPRVZ_Ipc=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/640x427\/prod-mh-ireland\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a\/1b7d3ccf-cb88-4064-a187-e8d358636ca0\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a.jpg 640w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/eRlSj1ilB431BZz870u0MH_ckss=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a\/1b7d3ccf-cb88-4064-a187-e8d358636ca0\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a.jpg 960w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/yIRzsXmLrf1HzoLQSxoYOFNP5fs=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/1280x853\/prod-mh-ireland\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a\/1b7d3ccf-cb88-4064-a187-e8d358636ca0\/d07824fb-04ac-4e97-a493-b104f7599c6a.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_caption1 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_regular indo-1d70522a_marginbottom0 indo-1d70522a_marginleft0 indo-1d70522a_marginright0 indo-1d70522a_margintop3 indo-b48c4984_left\" style=\"color:var(--color-grey-60)\">Philip Doyle is the sixth contestant joining DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_heading5 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_bold indo-1d70522a_marginbottom3 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-text-grey-base)\" data-testid=\"subhead\">Musician Tol\u00fc Makay  Nigerian-Irish singer, songwriter, and performer Tol\u00fc Makay, became a household name overnight following her 2021 rendition of N17 by The Saw Doctors was featured in RT\u00c9\u2019s New Year\u2019s Eve broadcast, backed by the RT\u00c9 Concert Orchestra.   <\/h3>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">&#8220;I\u2019ve been craving something that\u2019s challenging but still fun, and when DWTS landed in my inbox it felt right to say yes,\u201d the 31 year-old said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Ms Makay said that she has spent the last number of years with her \u201chead down, building, experimenting, learning, and pushing,\u201d and is excited to lean into \u201clife outside the grind.\u201d <\/p>\n<div class=\"indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_root indo-90c71878_placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:95.21428571428572%\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_content\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tol\u00fc Makay is the seventh contestant to be named for DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall\" src=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/fe65JaAwVl6J3Htv7aJmkpxKoI4=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c\/264e4828-cfbf-44b7-8e00-972e5c001a57\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" data-testid=\"article-image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/_KmfMQ8GfTI4ef9DSg183yHWktY=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/120x80\/prod-mh-ireland\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c\/264e4828-cfbf-44b7-8e00-972e5c001a57\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c.jpg 120w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/CBlXvo5oAwe_Y7Rl7lQHHwaE7FU=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/160x107\/prod-mh-ireland\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c\/264e4828-cfbf-44b7-8e00-972e5c001a57\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c.jpg 160w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/7g-10ZB3YfTVOBNVwCZiDKAyDbM=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/320x213\/prod-mh-ireland\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c\/264e4828-cfbf-44b7-8e00-972e5c001a57\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c.jpg 320w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/UuB_TN505VIObo0nshSuFYLSbK8=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/640x427\/prod-mh-ireland\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c\/264e4828-cfbf-44b7-8e00-972e5c001a57\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c.jpg 640w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/fe65JaAwVl6J3Htv7aJmkpxKoI4=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c\/264e4828-cfbf-44b7-8e00-972e5c001a57\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c.jpg 960w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/8z-9YTbXN_GLZ0UAGWVj9ilQZ98=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/1280x853\/prod-mh-ireland\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c\/264e4828-cfbf-44b7-8e00-972e5c001a57\/ea4cea74-079f-41a6-b5e8-8806800b4b1c.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_caption1 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_regular indo-1d70522a_marginbottom0 indo-1d70522a_marginleft0 indo-1d70522a_marginright0 indo-1d70522a_margintop3 indo-b48c4984_left\" style=\"color:var(--color-grey-60)\">Tol\u00fc Makay is the seventh contestant to be named for DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_heading5 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_bold indo-1d70522a_marginbottom3 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-text-grey-base)\" data-testid=\"subhead\">Podcaster Amber Wilson<\/h3>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Best known for co-hosting Vogue &amp; Amber with her sister Vogue Williams, Amber Wilson said that the \u201cglitz and glam\u201d of the DWTS wardrobe will feel \u201cright at home.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_paragraph indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_primary indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5 indo-1d70522a_margintop0 indo-b48c4984_inherit\" style=\"color:var(--color-primary-80)\">Ms Wilson will be the first female to be paired up with a female professional dancer and believes that \u201cit\u2019s important for audiences to see diverse and authentic representation,\u201d and feels \u201cprivileged to have the opportunity to stand on that stage and represent my community.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"indo-1d70522a_marginbottom5\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_root indo-90c71878_placeholder\" style=\"padding-bottom:95.21428571428572%\">\n<div class=\"indo-90c71878_content\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Amber Wilson is the eighth contest named for the upcoming season of DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall \" src=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/oDPTk2hpkgEr-UUVjudRTCmIGiM=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4\/99b8b22c-2051-42eb-a3f0-3a558ee3df3d\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" data-testid=\"article-image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/eDE7ehhwdR28jjxiZZW3vpstdEA=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/120x80\/prod-mh-ireland\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4\/99b8b22c-2051-42eb-a3f0-3a558ee3df3d\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4.jpg 120w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/aPdA65WBGCuel_J9z3YYhLfs_-4=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/160x107\/prod-mh-ireland\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4\/99b8b22c-2051-42eb-a3f0-3a558ee3df3d\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4.jpg 160w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/LebdWQm30NHV6T6J0wWRWLfeOwY=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/320x213\/prod-mh-ireland\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4\/99b8b22c-2051-42eb-a3f0-3a558ee3df3d\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4.jpg 320w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/EABhYV_Je8J_hvJfPSxgEJ0o6EE=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/640x427\/prod-mh-ireland\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4\/99b8b22c-2051-42eb-a3f0-3a558ee3df3d\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4.jpg 640w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/oDPTk2hpkgEr-UUVjudRTCmIGiM=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/960x640\/prod-mh-ireland\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4\/99b8b22c-2051-42eb-a3f0-3a558ee3df3d\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4.jpg 960w,https:\/\/focus.independent.ie\/thumbor\/6kd2XwJfIRt0v0RxshvgGt0ln-s=\/0x0:5600x5332\/fit-in\/1280x853\/prod-mh-ireland\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4\/99b8b22c-2051-42eb-a3f0-3a558ee3df3d\/c27f9777-023a-4e53-b759-da114857dff4.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"indo-ebe0ecc6_root indo-ebe0ecc6_caption1 indo-300db776_none indo-91174671_secondary indo-66f0fec7_regular indo-1d70522a_marginbottom0 indo-1d70522a_marginleft0 indo-1d70522a_marginright0 indo-1d70522a_margintop3 indo-b48c4984_left\" style=\"color:var(--color-grey-60)\">Amber Wilson is the eighth contest named for the upcoming season of DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.independent.ie \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The RT\u00c9 show, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox standing in for Doireann Garrihy, will return on Sundays from January 4 on RT\u00c9 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2197124,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25173],"tags":[419253,41508,422837,348238,424222,424223,424220,424221],"class_list":["post-2197123","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-artists","tag-adrianna-wrona","tag-dancing-with-the-stars","tag-derry-girls","tag-eurovision","tag-fair-city","tag-paris-2024-olympics","tag-rose-of-tralee","tag-virgin-media-television"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Eurovision-winner-Fair-City-star-and-Rose-of-Tralee-\u2013.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2197123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2197123"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2197123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2197125,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2197123\/revisions\/2197125"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2197124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2197123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2197123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2197123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}