Stars align for a new series of dance show
But Cork TV presenter Elaine Crowley shrugs as she prepares to take part in the new series of Dancing With The Stars and asks: “What’s the worst that can happen?”
We may be about to find out as the eighth season launches on RTÉ1 today at 6.30pm.
Eleven well-known figures are all ready to cha-cha, tango, and waltz their way into the nation’s hearts.
Crowley, 47, who was born in Newtwopothouse in North Cork, admits: “I’ve never done anything remotely like this before, never mind in front of so many people. But my eldest sister said to me, you haven’t put yourself out of your comfort zone for decades. You can interview the politicians. You can do all the stuff on Ireland AM, but challenge yourself for once.
“So, class of 2025, bring it on!”
The other dancers taking part include chef Kevin Dundon, TikTok sensation Kayleigh Trappe, Olympic gold medal winning gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, and Kin actress Yasmin Seky.
Also involved are singer Mickey Joe Harte, Irish taekwondo Olympian Jack Woolley, comedian Gearóid Farrelly, Mrs Brown’s Boys actor Danny O’Carroll, and former Miss Universe Ireland, Aishah Akorede, as well as weather forecaster Joanna Donnelly.
Joanna hinted that she may have some form when it comes to the dance floor.
“I had an Irish dancing lesson back in 1979 and my mother spent a year’s savings on an Irish dancing costume, but I did one Feis and then quit. She never let me live it down! But she was a huge fan of Dancing With The Stars, so she’s definitely got my back on this.”
The 11 celebrities team up with a professional dancer to perform a live routine every week, and each pairing will have a different genre to master, from the charleston to hip hop, and just seven days to perfect their routine before performing live to the nation.
Each celebrity couple will be scored by an expert panel of judges and the viewing public at home, with the winning couple claiming the much-coveted glitter ball trophy at the end of the series.
Host Jennifer Zamparelli is joined again by co-host Doireann Garrihy, and two-time Dancing With The Stars winner and professional dancer Karen Byrne joins the judging panel alongside long-standing judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian.
