Dancing with the Stars returns to our screens
REHEARSALS for the upcoming sixth series of RTÉ’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ are now in full swing and feature a host of local professional dancers.
Among the dancing pros in the new series are Ballyfermot woman Karen Byrne, Lucan woman Laura Nolan, and Hannah Kelly from Tallaght.
It was announced last month that Tallaght resident and Xquisite Dance teacher John Nolan was stepping away from the show after six years on it as a professional dancer.
Posting on his Instagram, John said that leaving DWTS was “the end of a chapter” but he was doing so to spend more time teaching at his Xquisite Dance school.
“The end of a chapter,” he wrote.
“I have decided not to return to @dwtsirl this year and focus on building the future generations with @xquisitedance and the brand new location in Kilkenny.
“Thank you to my beautiful partners for the amazing memories.
“Thank you to each and every one of you for the support over my time on the show.
“I wish the very best of luck to the new pros on the start of their journey.
“Here’s to the new chapter.”
Ballyfermot dancer Karen Byrne
DWTS Ireland commended John for his contribution to the show in a post on their Instagram page late November.
“After six sensational seasons, John Nolan is leaving Dancing with the Stars,” the show wrote.
“As one of the show’s original professional dancers, John has brought entertainment, professionalism and talent to the floor every single week.
“Throughout his fantastic run, John partnered celebs such as Teresa Mannion, Deirdre O’Kane, Mary Kennedy, Grainne Seoige and Leah O’Rourke.
“He lifted the Glitterball Trophy in 2019 when he danced with Mairead Ronan.
“Thank you John!” Now, sights are firmly set on the upcoming season of the show, which features such celebrities as actor Shane Quigley Murphy, TV presenter Katja Mia, jockey Davy Russell and Rosanna Davison.
“Other sequinned celebrities who will take part in the series include newsreader eileen Dunne, Wild Youth frontman David Whelan, drag queen Blu Hydrangea, and influencer Miriam Mullins.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ will be returning to our screens in January 2023 on RTÉ One, presented by Jennifer Zamparelliand Doireann Garrihy, and judged by Brian Redmond, Loraine Barry and Arthur Gourounlian.
