The RTÉ series will return to our screens in January
Dancing With The Stars Ireland judges and presenters 2026
RTE have confirmed three more celebrity contestants set to grace the dance floor in the upcoming series of Dancing With The Stars.
On Friday’s Late Late Show, host Patrick Kielty spoke with new head judge Oti Mabuse, and the trio of fresh faces joined her on stage ahead of the show’s return in the new year.
Among them was Eurovision Song Contest winner Niamh Kavanagh, whose participation was announced last Sunday.
Amber Wilson, best known for co-hosting the wildly popular podcast Vogue and Amber alongside her sister, Vogue Williams, is one of the new additions.
After stepping into the shoes of Vogue’s husband, Spencer Matthews, Amber has quickly won over fans on the rebranded podcast with her candid chats and comedic rapport with her sister.
Amber Wilson(Image: Dancing With The Stars)
Her dry humour and knack for storytelling, particularly her now-infamous tale of mistakenly attending the wrong wake, have made her a hit with listeners.
In a first for the series, Amber will be partnered with a female professional dancer during her stint on Dancing With The Stars.
This follows Lottie Ryan and Emily Barker, who danced together for a week during the 2020 Switch Up week, reports RSVP Live.
Hailing from Howth in Co Dublin, Amber has a background in art history, psychology, and PR and marketing, having collaborated with numerous prominent Irish brands.
Amber has been refreshingly honest about her personal experiences, including sharing her coming-out story with her family during live broadcasts.
Her genuine nature and down-to-earth appeal could be exactly what’s needed to win over both the panel and audiences when she steps onto our screens this January.
Amber Wilson and Vogue Williams(Image: global.com)
Amber revealed: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking part in Dancing with the Stars. It’s a huge challenge and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That’s what life is all about for me: saying yes to new things and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. Of course I’m nervous, especially about dancing in front of a live audience, but that’s all part of the buzz. Facing your fears can be terrifying and thrilling in equal measure.”
She continued: “When I was growing up, I didn’t have anyone on screen that I could really relate to. I’ve never seen myself as a role model, but I believe it’s important for audiences to see diverse and authentic representation. Being part of the first female DWTS partnership on Irish television is something I’m deeply proud of, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to stand on that stage and represent my community.”
Also confirmed to appear on the new season of Dancing with the Stars is Tolü Makay, a Nigerian-Irish singer, songwriter and performer, who shot to fame in 2021 when her cover of N17 by The Saw Doctors was featured on RTÉ’s New Year’s Eve broadcast, accompanied by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
Tolü Makay(Image: Dancing With The Stars)
The performance resonated deeply with viewers, the video went viral, Graham Norton admitted it brought him to tears, and Tolü became an overnight sensation in Ireland.
Since then, she has continued to make her mark, opening for Disclosure at a major Dublin festival, performing for ex-President Michael D. Higgins, and featuring in prominent Irish music showcases.
Speaking about her participation in the upcoming series, Tolü said: “I’m excited to be part of Dancing with the Stars this season. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and seeing how my body responds and what I learn along the way.
“I’ve been craving something that’s challenging but still fun, and when DWTS landed in my inbox it felt right to say yes. I’m looking forward to the glam. Getting my hair and makeup done, stepping into those dresses swishing and swooshing around the floor, I live for that! I love the theatre of getting ready for a show, so this is right up my alley.”
When asked about her family’s reaction to the news, Tolü revealed: “My sister was so happy for me she couldn’t believe it. My cousin’s first question was, ‘Do you even know how to dance?’ which made me laugh. The friends I’ve told are really proud and excited. I still have a few family members to break it to, but so far, the reactions have been kind, supportive, and hilarious.
“I have no formal dance experience, especially with choreography or dancing with a partner. I’ve learned a few steps for music videos, but that’s about it. I’m a one-two-step type of girl and I can move to a beat but that’s about it. As a singer and performer, I’ve always wanted to really learn how to move, so I’m hoping DWTS helps me feel more effortless and confident on stage.”
The final celeb announced on Friday is Philip Doyle, an Olympic bronze medallist in rowing who ranks among Ireland’s most distinguished rowers. He’s also a qualified medical doctor who maintains a double life, juggling his medical profession with elite athletics.
Philip Doyle(Image: Dancing With The Stars)
Originally from Banbridge in Co. Down, he stumbled upon rowing whilst studying medicine at Queen’s University Belfast.
On joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, Philip confessed: “I’m feeling a little nervous for the show. As an athlete, we always expect the highest performance from ourselves, and this is unknown territory, so I don’t want to expect too much either.
“My friends are excited and looking forward to watching me, but I think they will enjoy the steps I get wrong more than the ones I get right. My dance experience is very limited, and I think this will be a unique experience to learn some lifelong skills for weddings and parties.”
The RTÉ series will return to our screens in January and see 12 well-known figures team up with a professional dancer to perform a live routine every week.
Each pairing will have a different dancing genre to master every week, from the Charleston to Salsa, and they’ll have just seven days to perfect their routine before performing live to the nation.
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 glitter ball trophy at the end of the series.
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