TV: Stars line up to have a ball
The line-up for the new series of is an eclectic mix of celebs all hoping to put their foot forward when it starts on RTÉ at 6.30pm tomorrow.
The inclusion of Katelyn Cummins is perhaps the biggest shock.
She won the Rose of Tralee for Laois in August and is also pursuing an apprenticeship as an electrician, so how will she find the time to learn the dances?
The 21-year-old explained: “When I was handed the International Rose of Tralee sash, I promised myself I would take every opportunity that came my way and make the most of this amazing year.
“I’m beyond grateful and so excited to be part of this year’s .”
Singers Niamh Kavanagh and Brian Kennedy are also taking part, and both have performed at Eurovision - although only the former was a winner.
Brian said: “I’m really looking forward to getting fit and to learn how to dance properly and the challenge of that.”
Jordan Dargan, who was The Apprentice’s youngest ever contestant when he took part in 2025 - and finished third - is also up for the dancing challenge.
He said: ‘I believe true growth always sits on the other side of doing the things that terrify you. So I decided to lean into that, take the leap into the unknown and hopefully will make everyone proud.’
Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin and Nigerian-Irish singer Tolü Makay are also among the eight, while contestant Amber Wilson is the sister of Vogue Williams.
She will be part of the series’ first all-female couple, and can’t wait to get started. She said: “Sequins are already a staple of my everyday wardrobe, so the glitz and glam will feel right at home!”
Paudie Moloney, a break-out star of The Traitors Ireland last year, famously said he wasn’t a hugger, so will need to get close to his partner on the floor!
He said that while he loves the dance floor at weddings, it will be a “whole new experience sober dancing”!
Comedian Michael Fry and Ireland AM host Eric Roberts are the final names in the hat.
Each celebrity will team up with a professional dancer to perform a live routine every week, from the Charleston to Salsa.
Three new pro dancers will also start this season: Arianna Favaro, Leonardo Lini and James Cutle.
The series is hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox, who is standing in for Doireann Garrihy while she is on leave. The new Head Judge is Oti Mabuse, with Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne.
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