Pass the tissues!
Dancing with the Stars is back! And this week the celebs danced their hearts out for Dedicated Dance Week.
Here’s how everyone got on…
Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan
Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast, Rhys McClenaghan danced a Jive to Gold Dust by DJ Fresh in honour of his coach Luke Carson.
And we’re sure his coach will be so proud of him on the dancefloor.
“Your coach said you were the dream athlete and I’m sure Laura is saying the same, the dream dancer,” Loraine Barry said.
Rhys and Laura received eights from Brian, Loraine and Karen and a nine from Arthur, giving them a total of 33.
Joanna Donnelly and Maciej Zieba
Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly and, pro dancer, Maciej Zieba danced a Tango to Dreams by The Cranberries.
Joanna, who has spoken openly about her previous struggles with fertility and her IVF journey, will talk about Pomegranate the former charity she set up to help couples who were in a similar position to her but couldn’t afford the treatment. The dedication will be to a couple who benefitted from the charity.
Arthur got emotional as he gave his feedback, telling Joanna: “You should never give up on your dreams. Keep dreaming.”
The pair received their highest score so far with four sixes from the judges with a total of 24.
Yasmin Seky and Simone Arena
Kin actress, Yasmin Seky will praise three youth club workers who influenced her.
Yasmin credits Mary, Phil and Gary as the driving force behind encouraging her to take on a career in performing. When the 2016 movie Sing Street held casting sessions the youth club workers convinced Yasmin to audition by singing Halo by Beyoncé.
“I’d like to bring the devil out a bit more,” Brian Redmond told her, while Karen Byrne said, “As a rumba goes that was brilliant.”
They received three sevens with Arthur rewarding them an eight meaning their total was 29.
Kevin Dundon and Rebecca Scott
Kevin Dundon returned with Rebecca Scott to dedicate a Tango to his wife, Catherine. They danced to David Bowie’s Let’s Dance – a song of the era from when they first met.
He made Rebecca very proud with his Tango. And he even impressed the judges!
“Did I see a bit of co-ordination there? Yes I did! I think the fact you were dedicating this to your beautiful wife gave you that added bit of pressure,” Karen told him.
He received fives from Brian and Loraine and sixes for Karen and Arthur with a total of 22.
Aishah Akorede and Robert Rowiński
Former Miss Universe Ireland, Aishah Akorede and, her pro partner, Robert Rowiński honoured Aishah’s mother Kemi who has been the biggest influence in her life and a pillar of support as Aishah has dealt with sickle cell disease throughout her life.
They paid tribute to Aishah and her mother’s Nigerian heritage with an African-inspired Samba to Kese (Dance) by Wizkid.
“It was absolutely wonderful for all of us to see and to be educated with,” Loraine said as she spoke about Aishah’s tribute to Nigerian dance moves.
They received three eights and a seven from Karen with a total of 31.
Gearóid Farrelly and Stephen Vincent
The show will continue to be a family affair as comedian, Gearóid Farrelly and his partner, Stephen Vincent dance a Paso Doble to Holding Out For a Hero by Bonnie Tyler in honour of his own heroes, his parents, Eamon and Deirdre.
It was definitely an emotional dance as he and Stephen dressed as superheroes.
“What a powerhouse! What a hero! You commanded the floor!” Arthur enthused.
They received a six from Brian, a seven from Karen and Arthur and an eight from Loraine, meaning they received a total of 28.
Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas
Social media personality, Kayleigh Trappe, and her partner, Ervinas Merfeldas will dance a Contemporary Ballroom for her four-year-old niece, Fíadh to Brave by Sara Bareilles.
Kayleigh is a doting auntie and got a bit teary-eyed as she reunited with Fíadh.
“I really liked it,” Brian enthused while Karen said, “That was lovely from start to finish.”
She received a score of three sevens and an eight from Loraine, meaning she received a total of 29.
Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov
Taekwondo athlete, Jack Woolley dedicated his dance to his friend and two-time gold medal-winning boxer, Kellie Harrington.
Jack and his professional dancer, Alex Vladimirov danced an American Smooth to Grace by The Wolfe Tones – a song which has become synonymous with Kellie.
His dance routine had all the judges crying with Karen comparing him to a “feather” while Loraine told him his routine was “truly sublime”.
“This was truly a masterpiece in motion,” Arthur enthused.
They received a 10 from Karen and Arthur with Loraine and Brian awarding them a score of nine, with a total 38.
Danny O’Carroll and Salome Chachua
Mrs. Brown’s Boys actor, Danny O’Carroll paid tribute to his father, and the show creator, Brendan with a Mrs. Brown’s Boys inspired Cha-cha-cha to She’s a Lady by Tom Jones.
The song featured in their 2014 film, Mrs. Brown’s Boys D’Movie. Danny reprised his role as Buster Brady for the routine while, his pro partner, Salome Chachua will bring a whole new level of glam as she becomes Mrs. Brown for one night only.
“This was so entertaining, well done!” Loraine said while Arthur asked: “Who knew you had cha-cha-cha in you?”
He received a seven from Brian, and three eight with a total of 31.
