Pic:Kyran O’Brien /kobpix
Boy band bangers, girl group anthems and a high-stakes Team Dance showdown. Yes, Boy Bands vs Girl Groups night had it all on Dancing with the Stars.
For the first time in the competition, each couple danced not one but two competitive routines.
The night kicked off with individual performances inspired by iconic boy band bangers and girl group classics, before the celebrities joined forces for the much-anticipated annual Team Dance challenge in a boys versus girls showdown.
Hosts Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox swapped the sidelines for the spotlight as they stepped up as team captains, dancing live alongside the contestants and their professional partners.
Pic:Kyran O’Brien /kobpix
Jennifer led the boys’ team made up of Eric Roberts, Jordan Dargan, Paudie Moloney and Philip Doyle and their respective partners, as they performed to Relight My Fire by Take That featuring Lulu.
Oti loved it, sharing: “I mean, what a dance. You all came together so well.” Karen agreed, adding: “It looked like you had great craic on the floor. Well done, team Jen.”
Brian, Oti, and Arthur each scored eight, while Karen gave nine, giving Team Jen a total of 33 points.
Meanwhile, Laura captained the girls’ team, featuring Katelyn Cummins, Niamh Kavanagh, Stephanie Kelly and Tolü Makay and their partners who embraced full Spice Girls energy as they took on the roles of Sporty, Ginger, Baby, Scary and Posh in a high-energy routine to Spice Up Your Life.
Pic:Kyran O’Brien /kobpix
Arthur exclaimed: “Wow, Team Laura, girl power!” Brian added: “What you did so fabulously was show each individual’s character while still coming together as a team.”
Brian scored nine, while Karen, Oti, and Arthur each gave ten, giving Team Laura a total of 39 points.
After the judges’ scores were combined with the public vote, it was revealed that Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott, along with Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent, would face the Dance-Off.
Both couples reprised their routines in a final bid to impress the panel and secure their place in the competition.
Pic:Kyran O’Brien /kobpix
In the end, the judges chose to save Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott, meaning Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent became the latest pair to leave the ballroom.
“Niamh, you have been an absolute delight on and off camera,” praised Head Judge Oti.
Speaking after the result, Niamh said: “I’m delighted because I had the best time. I’ve done something I never thought I’d be able to do.
“Stephen has been magnificent all the way through. I will take this right into the next decade.”
