Dancing with the Stars (Irish TV series) series 9
| Dancing with the Stars | |
|---|---|
| Series 9 | |
| Presented by | Jennifer Zamparelli Laura Fox |
| Judges | Arthur Gourounlian Oti Mabuse Brian Redmond Karen Byrne |
| Release | |
| Original network | RTÉ One |
| Original release | 4 January 2026 |
| Series chronology | |
Dancing with the Stars will return for its ninth series on 4 January 2026 on RTÉ One.
On 25 September 2025, Head Judge, Loraine Barry announced her departure from the series after eight years on the panel.[1]
On 1 October 2025, RTÉ confirmed that the show would return for its ninth series, with former Strictly Come Dancing professional, Oti Mabuse taking over the role as Head Judge.[2] It was confirmed that Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne would join Mabuse on the panel for their ninth, fifth and second seasons, respectively.[3] Host Jennifer Zamparelli was also announced to return for her seventh season with RTÉ 2fm presenter and Season 7 runner-up, Laura Fox filling in for Doireann Garrihy while she is on maternity leave.[4]
On 23 November the professional dancer line-up was confirmed with Robert Rowiński, Stephen Vincent, Laura Nolan, Ervinas Merfeldas, Alex Vladimirov, Daniela Roze, Maciej Zieba and Rebecca Scott all returning from the previous season. Denys Samson, Salome Chachua and Simone Arena announced that they would not return to the series. They would be replaced by Arianna Favaro, James Cutler and Leonardo Lini. Kylee Vincent would also return to the show having taken the previous season off to give birth.[5][6]
Couples
On 7 December 2025, singer and Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh was announced as the first contestant to take part.[7]
| Celebrity | Known for | Professional | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amber Wilson | Podcaster | Alex Vladimirov | Participating |
| Anne Cassin | Nationwide presenter | Robert Rowiński | Participating |
| Brian Kennedy | Singer-songwriter | James Cutler | Participating |
| Eric Roberts | Ireland AM presenter | Arianna Favaro | Participating |
| Jordan Dargan | The Apprentice star | Rebecca Scott | Participating |
| Katelyn Cummins | The Rose of Tralee | Leonardo Lini | Participating |
| Michael Fry | Comedian & actor | Kylee Vincent | Participating |
| Niamh Kavanagh | Singer & Eurovision winner | Stephen Vincent | Participating |
| Paudie Moloney | The Traitors star | Laura Nolan | Participating |
| Philip Doyle | Olympic rower | Daniela Roze | Participating |
| Stephanie Kelly | Fair City actress | Ervinas Merfeldas | Participating |
| Tolü Makay | Singer-songwriter | Maciej Zieba | Participating |
References
- ^ "Loraine Barry leaves Dancing with the Stars Ireland after eight 'wonderful' seasons". Irish Independent. 25 September 2025. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
- ^ "Oti Mabuse, double Strictly champion, joins RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars as head judge". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
- ^ "'Strictly' winner and 'I'm A Celeb favourite' Oti Mabuse takes on 'Dancing with the Stars' head judge role at RTÉ". Irish Independent. 1 October 2025. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
- ^ "Laura Fox to replace Doireann Garrihy on Dancing with the Stars as she announces maternity leave". Irish Independent. 1 October 2025. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
- ^ "Three new pro dancers join Dancing with the Stars". 23 November 2025.
- ^ "Three new pro dancers join cast of Dancing With The Stars in 2026". www.independent.ie. 23 November 2025. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
- ^ "Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh ready to strut her stuff on 'Dancing with the Stars'". Irish Independent. 7 December 2025. Retrieved 8 December 2025.