Dancing with the Stars is back on our screens in the new year.
And with a new season comes a new cast of celebrities.
We can’t wait to meet our class of 2026.
Thankfully, RTÉ are revealing the new list of contestants. Let’s meet our celebrities…
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.”
Tune in for all the glitz and glam from Sunday, January 4th on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
