Dancing with the Stars is back!
And we couldn’t be more excited to see how all the celebrities get on during their first week.
Laura Fox stepped into the hot seat as the new host during Doireann Garrihy’s maternity leave.
Oti Mabuse is our new head judge following Loraine Barry’s departure. She joins judges Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne.
Of course, we have a fresh roster of stars. Here’s how they all got on in the first week of Dancing with the Stars.
Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent
Niamh Kavanagh was in OUR eyes this Sunday night as she made her debut on the Dancing with the Stars floor.
“What a way to open the show,” Oti exclaimed. “For your first week, fantastic!”
She received a score of three from Brian, four from Oti and two fives from Karen and Arthur, bringing their total to 17.
Philip Doyle and Daniela Roze
Philip swapped the oars for his waltzing shoes as the second star on the floor.
“I can predict good things for you,” Arthur told Philip, while Brian added, “Not bad.”
Brian and Oti both scored them five, while Karen and Arthur gave them sixes, totaling to 22.
Amber Wilson and Alex Vladimirov
Amber and Alex are making history as the first female same sex couple on Dancing with the Stars.
“It looked like you had the fear of God in you,” Brian told her before Jennifer reminded him that she had never performed before. “Just believe in yourself,” Karen told her.
Brian and Oti both awarded them a three while Karen and Arthur gave them a four, bringing them to a total of 14.
Michael Fry and Kylee Vincent
Michael Fry showed off his dance skills to the delight of the judges.
It even caused a spat between Brian and Oti who clashed over their critiques. Michael is definitely one to watch!
Brian, Oti and Arthur scored them a five and Karen gave them a six, a total of 21.
Anne Cassin and Robert Rowinski
Anna Cassin proved that she is a foxy lady with her first Foxtrot on Dancing with the Stars.
“You charming little minx!” Oti enthused. “You are a star!”
They received three sixes and a five from head judge Oti. Bringing them to a total of 23.
Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott
Jordan proved that he can work under pressure in The Apprentice. But is that anything compared to Dancing with the Stars?
“This is the salsa that I desire,” Arthur gushed as he fanned himself. And we can’t blame him.
They received a total of 28, with Arthur giving them an eight, Brian awarded them a six while Karen and Oti gave them a seven.
Brian Kennedy and James Cutler
Brian Kennedy promised to put his best foot forward in Dancing with the Stars. But did the judges agree?
“There’s something about you when I watch you that gives me chills,” Karen told him.
They received three sixes and a five from Brian, bringing their total to 23.
Tolü Makay and Maciej Zieba
Tolü is no stranger to performing and she is here to make a statement! She certainly did it on Sunday night.
“The rhythm is oozing out of your body!” Karen praised her.
She received three sevens and a six from Brian, giving her a total of 27.
Stephanie Kelly and Ervinas Merfeldas
Stephanie is swapping Carrigstown for the ballroom with an impressive first dance.
“I thought it was charming and clean,” Oti told her, but added that next week she wanted to “take risks” next week.
They received three fives and a four from Brian, bringing their total up to 19.
Eric Roberts and Arianna Favaro
We know that Eric can make jokes, can present, but can he dance? Well, he certainly impressed tonight!
Brian told him that it is a “good start” while Karen told him that he is “brilliant”.
They received two eights, a seven from Karen and a six from Brian, bringing their total to 29.
Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini
Katelyn Cummins was named Rose of Tralee over the summer. But could she lift the Glitterball Trophy in 2026?
“That was so good, I wonder if you can keep it up,” Brian told them after receiving a standing ovation from the judges.
It was branded the dance of the night, with three eights and a seven from Brian. Their total is 31.
Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan
He’s not a hugger. But is he a dancer? Well, we’re hoping Traitors Paudie makes it far in this competition.
Karen branded him “Paudie Swayze” before saying, “You’re right up my alley.” Meanwhile Arthur called him his “guilty pleasure”.
Brian gave them a two, while Oti awarded them a three, while Karen and Arthur gave them a four. This gave them a score of 13.
