The anticipation is building as Dancing With The Stars is set to return! Jennifer Zamparelli’s enthusiastic declaration about this year’s cast being her “favourite casting so far” has only heightened the excitement for the upcoming season.
Eleven personalities are ready to grace our screens each week, all vying for the coveted Glitterball trophy.
Here’s everything you need to know about the eighth season of this dazzling RTÉ competition, tailored for fans eager to know – when does Dancing with the Stars start?
Dancing with the Stars Season 8 Cast. The image features a group shot of the contestants and judges of Dancing with the Stars Ireland, season 8, against a vibrant, sparkly backdrop.
Premiere Date and Time for Dancing with the Stars Season 8
Mark your calendars! Dancing With The Stars is officially scheduled to premiere very soon. The show will start broadcasting on Sunday, January 5th, at 6:30 pm. This is the date fans have been waiting for, so set your reminders to tune into the first episode of the season.
The season is set to run for several weeks, promising weeks of entertainment all the way until Sunday, March 16th on RTÉ One. You can look forward to Sunday evenings filled with spectacular dances and dramatic eliminations throughout this period.
Meet the Judges of Season 8
Dancing With The Stars Season 8 Judges Panel. This image shows the four judges for Dancing With The Stars season 8, seated at the judges' table, smiling and ready for the show.
This season, the celebrity dancers will face even more critical eyes as the judging panel expands to four members. Adding a fresh perspective to the panel is none other than two-time Glitterball winner, Karen Byrne.
Karen Byrne, a celebrated pro dancer from past seasons, expressed her excitement about her new role as a judge. Having experienced the competition firsthand and even claiming victory last year, Karen’s insights will be invaluable from the judge’s chair.
Karen Byrne, New Judge on Dancing With The Stars Season 8. A portrait of Karen Byrne, smiling confidently, announcing her new role as a judge on Dancing with the Stars.
‘I am absolutely delighted to join the judges panel for my eighth season of Dancing with the Stars,’ Karen stated. ‘Having been lucky enough to win it twice and working with all my incredible dance partners, it will feel strange sitting on the other side of the desk. I can’t believe it – I have to pinch myself!’
Joining Karen are the returning veteran judges: Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond, and Arthur Gourounlian. Lorraine Barry is equally enthusiastic about the season, stating, ‘Roll on January 5th… it’s going to be a fantastic season 8.’
Returning Hosts for Dancing with the Stars
Dancing With The Stars Season 8 Hosts Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy. Co-hosts Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy are pictured smiling and posing together, ready to present Dancing with the Stars.
Despite changes at RTÉ’s 2FM earlier in the year, fans will be pleased to see the familiar faces of Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy returning as co-presenters for Dancing With The Stars.
Both Jennifer and Doireann have expressed their excitement about hosting again. They even shared a clip reacting to this year’s celebrity contestants before the official reveal, building further anticipation. Jennifer described this year’s lineup as her ‘favourite casting so far,’ while Doireann added that it’s ‘epic, nostalgic and iconic.’
Celebrity Contestants Ready to Compete
This season boasts a diverse lineup of famous faces all set to compete for the Glitterball trophy. From culinary experts to Olympic athletes, eleven celebrities are preparing to showcase their dance moves each week.
Aishah Akorede, former Miss Universe Ireland, was the first contestant announced. Her sporting background might give her an edge, but she’s not alone in bringing a competitive spirit to the dance floor.
Aishah Akorede, Contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 8. Image of Aishah Akorede, smiling and posing, as a contestant for Dancing with the Stars 2025 is announced.
Kayleigh Trappe, Contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 8. Kayleigh Trappe is pictured smiling and confidently as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars.
Olympians Jack Woolley and Rhys McClenaghan are no strangers to rigorous training, which will likely serve them well in the demanding dance routines ahead.
Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon is accustomed to pressure in the kitchen, but he’s about to face a different kind of heat from the DWTS judges!
Kevin Dundon, Contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 8. Kevin Dundon smiles and poses as he is announced as part of the Dancing with the Stars lineup.
Jack Woolley, Contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 8. Jack Woolley is photographed in a sporty pose, confirming his participation in Dancing with the Stars.
Some contestants have been eager to join the show for years. Danny O’Carroll from Mrs. Brown’s Boys reportedly has ‘wanted to do it for the last four years.’
Mickey Joe Harte, Contestant on Dancing With The Stars Season 8. Mickey Joe Harte is pictured smiling as a contestant for Dancing with the Stars.
While he might not have a dance background, former Eurovision singer Mickey Joe Harte certainly has rhythm in his blood!
Elaine Crowley, Contestant on DWTS Season 8. Elaine Crowley smiles as she is announced as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars.
Rhys McClenaghan, Contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 8. Rhys McClenaghan is pictured in an athletic pose, confirming his participation in Dancing with the Stars.
Expect dazzling costumes this season as Virgin Media’s Elaine Crowley and Kin actress Yasmin Seky are set to bring the glamour and sparkle.
Yasmin Seky, Contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 8. Yasmin Seky is photographed looking stylish and excited to be part of Dancing with the Stars.
Comedian Gearóid Farrelly is also set to make a splash, representing the gay community and dancing with a male partner.
Gearóid Farrelly and Stephen Vincent, Partners on Dancing with the Stars Season 8. Gearóid Farrelly and his professional dance partner Stephen Vincent are pictured together, ready for Dancing with the Stars.
Danny O'Carroll, Contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 8. Danny O'Carroll smiles and poses as a contestant for Dancing with the Stars is announced.
Ireland’s very own lipsync queen, Kayleigh Trappe, completes the lineup of eleven celebrities, eager to ‘get the glitter ball rolling!’
Get ready for another season of stunning performances, critical judging, and celebrity sparkle. Remember to tune in to RTÉ One on Sunday, January 5th at 6:30 pm to catch the premiere of Dancing With The Stars Season 8!
