Dancing with the Stars is back on our screens in the new year.
Hurrah!
And with a new season comes a new cast of celebrities.
So without further ado, let’s meet our class of 2026….
Niamh Kavanagh
Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh is the first celebrity to be revealed for this year’s sparkling line-up for Dancing with the Stars 2026.
On joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, Niamh said: “I am beside myself but trying to act all cool – like it’s no bother! It would be a lie to say I’m not nervous, stepping into the unknown publicly brings its own nerves. However, what I mostly am is excited, I don’t have to be good at this but I’ll work hard to get as good as I can!
“The glitz and glam side of things is probably the most difficult part for me as I usually don’t think too much about sequins and certainly not fake tan –I haven’t even had my ears pierced! I have very little experience in formal choreography. When I did school shows I was mainly cast as a singer and mostly I was told to stay out of the way of other people until it was time for me to sing.
“I did briefly do ballet for about six months – I was 12 years of age, everyone else in the class was about six and it didn’t go as well as I would’ve wanted. However, I do love a dance, and I do obviously move on stage but I’m very economical these days. I have performed in pantomimes, but usually I’m evil and wear a big dress so you don’t see that the legs aren’t doing what they should be – I walk with attitude beautifully!”
Paudie Moloney
It’s set to be a murder on the dancefloor as The Traitors Ireland legend Paudie Moloney has been revealed as the second contestant on Dancing with the Stars this season!
Speaking about Dancing with the Stars, Paudie said: “I’m very excited about taking part in Dancing with the Stars and also a little apprehensive at the same time. I’m really looking forward to the challenge, but I’m afraid all the glitter, the fake tan, and the sequins are going to be very new to me so I don’t know what to make of any of that.
“My close family are very excited about me doing it and they can’t wait to see the show. Some friends think I’m mad but are also excited for me. I know the grandkids will be delighted and mortified at the same time.
“I really got lucky with my pro dancer – I can’t say the same for her but she has reassured me we’ll have a lot of fun while going through this great experience. As I was saying to my wife, Bernadette, it will be a whole new experience sober dancing – I’m normally only dancing at weddings now and, depending on the circumstances, the odd funeral. Bernadette and I have always been great fans of the show. We’ve watched all seasons so far, but I still couldn’t tell you the difference between a Quickstep and an American Smooth.”
Katelyn Cummins
Current Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins has been revealed as the third contestant lighting up the dancefloor for the ninth series of Dancing with the Stars.
On joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, Katelyn said: “Since August 19th, 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. I’m beyond grateful and so excited to be part of this year’s Dancing with the Stars.
“My parents were the first to know – their unwavering support has gotten me to where I am today. I hope I can continue to make them proud and be an inspiration for my younger sister and brother.
“From Irish dancing to set dancing and school musicals, dance has always been something I’ve enjoyed. I’d love to master the jive as it’s been a personal favourite of mine over the last few years when dancing with my Mam and my friends. 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!”
Michael Fry
It’s out of the frying pan and into the sequins for comedian and actor Michael Fry as he will take to the ballroom in January!
Speaking about joining Dancing with the Stars this year, Michael said: “I’m very excited to be learning how to dance in a way that doesn’t suggest I’m utterly ashamed of myself. It’ll come with transferable skills in that being more aware of my body is only going to make me a better performer. Michelle Yeoh started out as a dancer and ended up doing cool fight scenes and action movies. It could be me in the next Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
“Other than at weddings, I’ve 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’s the only trophy I own. Maybe I’m only good at dancing if I don’t have to use my arms…
“My friends have all been extremely supportive of me taking part in the show and are keen to come see me live in the audience. They’re all very jealous that I get to learn how to dance with a professional and would have been furious if I had turned it down.
“I am nervous about such a physical challenge because I’m extremely unfit. I’ve treated my body badly over the years and we’re about to find out just how badly. I’m hoping there’s an artful way to bend over with a stitch mid-routine.”
Stephanie Kelly
Fair City star Stephanie Kelly will be showing off her Samba skills in the new year.
Speaking about joining Dancing with the Stars, Stephanie said: “I am absolutely buzzing (and scarlet!) to be part of this season’s DWTS! I can’t believe I agreed to do it seeing as I cannot dance for the life of me! I have no experience and sure I couldn’t even name half of the dances that are involved!
“I don’t train or go to the gym so the extent of my fitness is running around after my three kids. I don’t know what’s scarier – trying to dance to actual choreography in front of the nation or the fact I have to wear heels while doing it!
“My kids are so excited to see their mammy dancing on TV. My daughter Rosie in particular loves to dance and dress up so she’ll be buzzing. My eldest boy told me not to worry if I fall because ‘sure it’ll be funny!’ My youngest is only 3 so he hasn’t a clue what’s going on until he sees it. I am hoping I can give a cheeky wave to them during the live shows!”
Eric Roberts
Ireland AM host Eric Roberts has been revealed as the sixth contestant taking to the dance floor on this season’s Dancing with the Stars.
Speaking about joining Dancing with the Stars this season, Eric said: “I’m so excited to get stuck into training and equally terrified at what lies ahead! I’ve 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!
“So, I’m trying to mentally prepare myself for it all. I’ve had a couple of fittings and let’s just say it’s stuff I wouldn’t normally wear, but I’m leaving it up to the professionals and stylist every week – I’m up for anything (within reason)!
“My family were so excited when I told them the news! It’s a huge time commitment and I have a young son so it wasn’t something we jumped into. My wife is extremely supportive and told me to go for it! I’m excited to learn all the dances.
Tolü Makay
Musician Tolü Makay will also be lighting up the dancefloor this January.
She said of joining the show: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge and seeing how my body responds and what I learn along the way. I’ve been craving something that’s challenging but still fun, and when DWTS landed in my inbox it felt right to say yes.”
“Getting my hair and makeup done, stepping into those dresses swishing and swooshing around the floor, I live for that!”
As for her aspirations on the series, Makay said: “I’d love to make it far enough to do a dedication night and a contemporary piece. More than any specific dance, I want to really understand my body to feel confident in how I move and find my rhythm.
“As a singer and performer, I’ve always wanted to really learn how to move, so I’m hoping DWTS helps me feel more effortless and confident on stage.”
Philip Doyle
Olympic bronze medal-winning rower Philip Doyle was also unveiled as a DWTS contestant.
Speaking about stepping into unknown territory, Philip admitted: “As an athlete, we always expect the highest performance from ourselves, and this is unknown territory, so I don’t want to expect too much either.
“My dance experience is very limited, and I think this will be a unique experience to learn some lifelong skills for weddings and parties,” he continued.
“My motivation for taking part is to elevate rowing as a sport in Ireland. We do awfully well with the medals but are poor at promoting the sport, and I also just love any form of challenge. I also really get a buzz off pushing myself out of my comfort zone.”
Amber Wilson
Podcaster Amber Wilson, known for co-hosting the popular podcast Vogue & Amber with her sister Vogue Williams, will also be hoping to take home the glitterball trophy this year and in a series first, Wilson will be paired with a female pro dancer on Dancing With The Stars.
Touching on this new adventure she’s about to embark on, Amber said: “It’s a huge challenge and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That’s what life is all about for me: saying yes to new things and pushing myself outside my comfort zone.
“When I was growing up, I didn’t have anyone on screen that I could really relate to. I’ve never seen myself as a role model, but I believe it’s important for audiences to see diverse and authentic representation.
“Being part of the first female DWTS partnership on Irish television is something I’m deeply proud of, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to stand on that stage and represent my community.”
Anne Cassin
The news will spread Nationwide as presenter Anne Cassin was announced as the tenth celebrity for this season’s sparkling line-up for Dancing with the Stars.
Speaking about joining the show this season, Anne said: “ I’m excited now about learning how to dance properly. The last time I danced in public I was about 10 and Irish dancing in a school concert. Jigs and reels! I’ve met my dance partner, who is a fabulous dancer and very experienced in DWTS, I know I’m in good hands! I think it’s 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. I adore the costumes; the more fringes and diamante the better! I’ve tried on a couple of dresses already and they are super tight. I felt brilliant wearing them.
“My husband and my daughters, Ellen and Heather, and my son Joe are really supportive and encouraging. But the best reaction came from my sister Lilian, who squealed with delight when I told her I was taking part. I’ve met all the other celebrities by now and they’re lovely. But we’ll see how things shape up when the show starts and the reality sets in that this is a competition,” she noted.
“I have been a fan of DWTS since it started, especially as good friends like Teresa Mannion, Mary Kennedy, Marty Morrissey and Eileen Dunne have taken part previously and had wonderful experiences. I love the Tango and Cha-Cha-Cha, but I’m not sure at all about the dances that I can master, as I will be a complete rookie. My biggest motivation for taking part in the show is for the challenge of getting out of my comfort zone and embracing the experience.”
Jordan Dargan
After finishing in third place on The Apprentice UK, Jordan Dargan now turns his ambition to winning the coveted glitterball.
But how does he feel about it all? “I’m honoured to be joining the Dancing with the Stars family,” Jordan admitted. “I’ve got zero dance experience and am genuinely starting from square one, so if I can do it, anyone can! It’s going to be a huge challenge for sure, but with an amazing pro partner and massive support from my family and friends, I’m ready to give it my all.
“When I was first approached to take part, I thought, “Absolutely not!” However, I believe true growth always sits on the other side of doing the things that terrify you. So I decided to lean into that, take the leap into the unknown and hopefully will make everyone proud!”
Brian Kennedy
And last but not least, singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy has been announced as the final celebrity dancer to take a twirl onto the dancefloor for the ninth series of Dancing with the Stars.
Speaking about joining this year’s line-up Brian said: “I’m so excited to join the cast of Dancing with the Stars.
“I’m really looking forward to getting fit and to learn how to dance properly and the challenge of that. What a way to start what will be my 60th year on the planet!”
Well, there you have i,t folks, our 2026 class of Dancing with the Stars!
Tune in for all the glitz and glam from Sunday, January 4th on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
