{"id":191244,"date":"2025-12-14T11:10:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T11:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/191244\/"},"modified":"2025-12-14T11:10:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T11:10:12","slug":"rte-treasure-eurovision-singer-and-rose-of-tralee-here-are-all-the-dancing-with-the-stars-contestants-announced-so-far","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/191244\/","title":{"rendered":"RT\u00c9 treasure, Eurovision singer and Rose of Tralee \u2013 here are all the Dancing with the Stars contestants announced so far"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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

\"Judges:<\/p>\n

Judges: Brian Redmond (far left), Karen Byrne, Arthur Gourounlian, and Oti Mabuse; hosts Laura Fox and Jennifer Zamparelli. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n

Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Sunday, December 14<\/p>\n

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

Here are all the contestants announced so far for Dancing with the Stars.<\/p>\n

\"Judges:<\/p>\n

Judges: Brian Redmond (far left), Karen Byrne, Arthur Gourounlian, and Oti Mabuse; hosts Laura Fox and Jennifer Zamparelli. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n

Ireland AM host Eric Roberts<\/p>\n

The social media star has recently joined Ireland AM on weekends alongside Elaine Crowley and is now following in his co-host’s footsteps to hit the DWTS dancefloor.<\/p>\n

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

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

\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

\"Ireland<\/p>\n

Ireland AM host Eric Roberts announced as the sixth contestant. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n

Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh<\/p>\n

Best known for winning the \u00adEurovision Song Contest for Ireland with the ballad In Your Eyes in 1993, singer Niamh Kavanagh (57) said she is both \u201cexcited\u201d and \u201cnervous\u201d about taking to the dancefloor.<\/p>\n

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

\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

\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

\"Eurovision<\/p>\n

Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh revealed as first DWTS contestant. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n

Traitors star Paudie Moloney<\/p>\n

Paudie Moloney (68) will hit RT\u00c9’s dancefloor after winning over the country earlier this year on The Traitors Ireland with his typical Irish dad\u2019s forthrightness, which struck a chord with viewers.<\/p>\n

Since the show, the retired prison officer has appeared on The Late Late Show alongside his son and fellow The Traitors contestant Andrew Moloney, and has been cast as the Wizard in a Dublin Christmas panto, Olly Goes to Oz.<\/p>\n

The Limerick man said he is \u201cvery excited\u201d about taking part in the show but also \u201ca little apprehensive” at the same time.<\/p>\n

“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

\"The<\/p>\n

The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney joins DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n

Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins<\/p>\n

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

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

\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

\u201cFrom Irish dancing to set dancing and school musicals, dance has always been something I’ve enjoyed. It’s a completely new world to me, a big change from the Snickers and steel-toe cap boots, but I can’t wait to get stuck in and give it my all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Rose<\/p>\n

Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins has been revealed as a third contestant on DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n

Comedian Michael Fry<\/p>\n

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

Best known for his viral sketches and musical parodies on social media, the ambassador for Seachtain na Gaeilge in 2025 previously appeared in Derry Girls and Holding, the TV adaptation of Graham Norton\u2019s novel.<\/p>\n

\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

“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

\"Michael<\/p>\n

Michael Fry is announced as fourth contestant of the series. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n

Fair City star Stephanie Kelly<\/p>\n

Best known as Sash Bishop from RT\u00c9\u2019s long-running soap opera Fair City, Stephanie Kelly (37) has said she is \u201cabsolutely buzzing and scarlet to be part of this season’s DWTS\u201d.<\/p>\n

A mother of three from Ballymun in Dublin, who is one of the current longest-serving cast members in Fair City history, said she \u201ccan\u2019t believe she agreed to do it\u201d as she \u201ccannot dance for the life of me\u201d.<\/p>\n

\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

\"Stephanie<\/p>\n

Stephanie Kelly is the fifth celebrity joining the DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n

\u201cMy kids are so excited to see their mammy dancing on TV. My eldest boy told me not to worry if I fall because ‘sure it\u2019ll be funny,\u2019\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Olympian rower and doctor Philip Doyle <\/p>\n

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

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

\"Philip<\/p>\n

Philip Doyle is the sixth contestant joining DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

“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

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

\"Tol\u00fc<\/p>\n

Tol\u00fc Makay is the seventh contestant to be named for DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n

Podcaster Amber Wilson<\/p>\n

Best known for co-hosting Vogue & 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

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

\"Amber<\/p>\n

Amber Wilson is the eighth contest named for the upcoming season of DWTS. Photo: Barry McCall <\/p>\n

Broadcaster Anne Cassin<\/p>\n

Journalist and broadcaster Anne Cassin, who has presented RT\u00c9\u2019s Nationwide since 2011, said she hasn\u2019t danced in public since she was 10, but she\u2019s \u201cexcited\u201d by the prospect of learning to dance \u201cproperly\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve met my dance partner, who is a fabulous dancer and very experienced in DWTS, I know I\u2019m in good hands,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s amazing that I have one-on-one guidance from a professional dancer and at the end, hopefully, I will be able to perform. I love glam and sequins, and fake tan even though I never do fake tan myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Broadcaster<\/p>\n

Broadcaster Anne Cassin said she hasn’t danced in public since she was 10. Photo: Barry McCall<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The RT\u00c9 show, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox standing in for Doireann Garrihy, will return on…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":191245,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[2540,21183,17202,93,17948,69545,61,60,51697,66371,282,3476],"class_list":{"0":"post-191244","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tv","8":"tag-adrianna-wrona","9":"tag-dancing-with-the-stars","10":"tag-derry-girls","11":"tag-entertainment","12":"tag-eurovision","13":"tag-fair-city","14":"tag-ie","15":"tag-ireland","16":"tag-paris-2024-olympics","17":"tag-rose-of-tralee","18":"tag-tv","19":"tag-virgin-media-television"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/191244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=191244"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/191244\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/191245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=191244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=191244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=191244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}