It’s a very special ‘Dancing with the Stars’ on RTE this Sunday night as contestants use their performance to honour a person close to them.

Have the tissues at the ready because this Sunday the ballroom will be getting emotional with the annual Dedicated Dance special.

The contestants will honour a person or people who have made an impact on their lives, and dedicate a dance to them.

Proud Donegal man and Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts will dedicate his dance to his nephew Oisín, who has cerebral palsy and autism and often features on Eric’s social media.

Oisín is a significant inspiration for Eric, who shares their adventures and celebrates his nephew’s unique personality, promoting understanding of disabilities.

Eric Roberts appearing on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars

Eric will dance a Tango with partner Arianna Favaro to Coldplay’s ‘Clocks’. Coldplay is Eric and Oisín’s favourite band, and they have seen them in concert together.

This special episode will honour former judge Julian Benson, who passed away in April last year. Viewers will hear from former presenter Nicky Byrne and former Head Judge Lorraine Barry, as well as current presenter Jennifer Zamparelli and judges Brian Redmond, Karen Byrne, and Arthur Gourounlian, who will share memories of their dear friend and colleague.

The professional dancers will also honour the man endearingly named ‘Captain Sparkle’ with an emotional performance to ‘Last Dance’ by Donna Summer.

One couple will earn immunity from the following week’s first dreaded Dance-Off. There will be no elimination this week.

Each celebrity couple will be scored by an expert panel of four judges: Oti Mabuse, Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne, and as well as the viewing public at home, with the winning couple claiming the much-coveted glitterball trophy at the end of the series.

Dancing with the Stars is hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox and airs Sundays at 6:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player until mid-March.

Eric to honour nephew Oisin with latest ‘Dancing with the Stars’ performance was last modified: January 29th, 2026 by Staff Writer

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