We’ll be welcoming three new professional dancers to Dancing with the Stars in the new year.
Rehearsals are currently underway and the three new dancers who will be waltzing into the hearts of Irish audiences are Arianna Favaro, Leonardo Lini and James Cutler.
Arianna is an Italian Latin-American style dancer known for both her competitive career and her work on stage. Born in Bologna, she began dancing at age 8 and quickly developed a passion for Latin dance.
She danced competitively until 2018, when she transitioned to stage performing. Arianna is in a relationship with current DWTS pro dancer, Maciej Zieba who partnered with Joanna Donnelly earlier this year.
Speaking about joining the show, Arianna said: “I’m really thrilled to be joining Dancing with the Stars. It’s something new and special for me; an amazing opportunity and challenge that I can’t wait to experience.”
Leonardo is an Italian dancer from Bassano del Grappa, known for his talent in Latin-American, ballroom, and modern dance. He comes from a dance family – his older sister, Giada Lini, is also a professional dancer.
After his success in competitions, Leonardo returned to the spotlight on television: he joined the popular Italian talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi, where his expressive Latin dance style made him a standout.
As he joins the show, Leonardo said: “I’m incredibly excited for my first season of Dancing with the Stars. I can’t wait to give it my all and share my passion, my experience, and everything I love about this art with everyone.”
James is a British professional ballroom and Latin dancer. Last year, James took part in the Belgian version of DWTS as a professional dancer – he reached the latter stages of the competition with his celebrity, Miss Angel, ultimately finishing in seventh place.
During his competitive career, he won multiple national and international titles—including championships in the UK, Canada, Denmark, and more. He has represented both England and Canada in competitions, becoming a World Finalist.
“I’m so delighted to be joining Dancing with the Stars! I’ve heard the audience here is amazing and unmatched in their warmth, energy and passion, so I’m really looking forward to experiencing that!” James said of joining the show.
“Joining the cast is like joining a great big wacky, glamorous family! I can’t wait to meet my partner and get down to business! I’m hoping I can bring something new and exciting to the show. Bring on the live Sunday shows…. Sláinte!”
With our three new dancers joining the show, this means that we are saying goodbye to three professionals who have treaded the ballroom before.
The three dancers exiting stage left are Salome Chachua, Denys Samson and Simone Arena.
Speaking about their time on DWTS and closing out this chapter, Salome said: “After four wonderful seasons, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from Dancing with the Stars this year for personal reasons. My time on the show has been one of the greatest joys of my career.
“The energy, the creativity, the incredible team, and of course the warm, welcoming spirit of Ireland. I will truly miss it all. I’m so proud to have reached the final three times, and who knows, maybe one day I’ll be back to finally lift that glitterball trophy… preferably with a celebrity who doesn’t mind a lot of extra rehearsals! Thank you, Ireland, for every step of this unforgettable journey.”
While Denys said: “It’s bittersweet to announce I won’t be returning to DWTS. This show has shaped so much of my life, and I’m endlessly grateful for every partner, colleague, friend, fan, and the incredible team at Shinawil who made this journey feel like home.
“Most importantly, thank you to the fans — your messages, your votes, your beautiful presents, and your unwavering support have lifted me up more than you’ll ever know. I’ve carried every bit of your kindness with me. While this chapter is coming to an end, it will always hold such a special place in my heart. Wishing the cast and team the most magical season yet – I’ll be cheering you on with so much love.”
And Simone Arena said: “After two wonderful seasons, I won’t be returning to Dancing with the Stars this year. I’m so grateful to the incredible production team, crew and everyone who makes the show what it is. Thank you for the beautiful memories.”
Laura Nolan is back, after her partnership with Rhys McClenaghan ended in victory last season. Laura returns alongside Ervinas Merfeldas, Robert Rowiński, Stephen Vincent, Maciej Zięba, Alex Vladimirov, Rebecca Scott and Daniela Roze. Kylee Vincent is also back in the ballroom after giving birth to her first child last year.
