Due to various concerns for the health and well-being of contestants amid the Coronavirus pandemic, Dancing with the Stars was shelved this year – but it looks like the hit show will be back soon.
Show bosses have revealed they’re incredibly hopeful that it’ll be able to go ahead next year, airing in early 2022.
“Dancing With The Stars is a ready-made hit which just needs to be plugged,” a source told the Irish Sun.
“RTE considered a number of alternative shows but they all faced the same Covid risks. Hopefully by next January, there’ll be little less Covid around and DWTS will run as normal.”
Last summer, the decision was made to pause the show until 2022, which came as shock to everyone involved and audiences alike.
Commenting on the decision, John McHugh, RTÉ’s Head of Entertainment said: “We are extremely disappointed not to be in a position to produce series five of Dancing with the Stars in 2021.
“After much discussion, we feel the risks are too high with a production of this scale to proceed with the series in 2021 and we hope to revisit the show in 2022.”
He continued, “We understand that the many fans of the series will be disappointed with this decision. However, given the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19 and our duty of care, we believe this decision is the right one.
“We will continue to work with Larry Bass and ShinAwiL on other projects and will be conducting ongoing discussions with them and the BBC to try and bring back Dancing with the Stars in 2022.”
Saddened by the news, DWTS hosts, professional dancers and past participants took to social media at the time to share their heartbreak.
Nicky Byrne said, “It’s an incredible show to be a part of and I have had so many brilliant times co-hosting over the four seasons, however, I fully understand the decision taken and in order to protect our wonderful little country we must make these sacrifices.
“Safety of our crew, each other and our front-line workers is always the priority. The current climate has thrown up many challenges and COVID 19 has affected every corner of society.
“My thoughts are now with the crew who work on the show and find themselves in uncertainty. The stylists, make up artists, dancers, camera crew, producers, choreographers, caterers, audio, graphics – the list is endless. Let’s hope we can all get through this as soon as possible and enjoy some positivity down the road.”
Lottie Ryan won the last season of the show with Pasquale La Rocca, said, “I am heartbroken for all my DWTS family this evening at the news the show will not be returning this year due to COVID-19.
“This show brought so much joy into my life and allowed me to work with the most incredible cast and crew. From meeting my amazing partner Pasquale to the amazing pro dancers, the creative team, production, costume and lighting. Our TVs won’t sparkle quite as much this year, but, I hope they’ll be back next year.”
Professional dancer Karen Byrne also shared her upset, telling followers: “Sad to say no Dancing with the stars this year.
“I can’t begin to sum my experience up. I can honestly say this show has been the best experience of my life.
“I would like to thank everyone for you support over the past 4 years. I have gained so many friends and had so many laughs because of this show. Let’s hope we return bigger and better in 2022.”
At least now, everyone has something to look forward to as plans are being set in motion to get it back on our screens.