Two same-sex couples in RTE Dancing With The Stars first as show newcomers revealed in final pro line-up
Other new faces to the show include double Strictly winner Oti Mabuse, who is replacing Loraine Barry as chief judge
DANCING With The Stars will have TWO same-sex couples next season — with Brian Kennedy and Vogue Williams’ sister both on the floor with dancers of the same gender.
Eurovision star Brian, 59, will be paired with newcomer James Cutler, a British pro ballroom and Latin dancer.
And Vogue Williams’ sister Amber Wilson will dance with Ukraine-born Alex Vladimirov in the first female same-sex pairing ever on Dancing With The Stars.
Podcaster Amber, 42, who is gay, said: “Being part of the first female DWTS partnership on Irish television is something I’m deeply proud of.
“And I feel privileged to have the opportunity to stand on that stage and represent my community.
“When I was growing up, I didn’t have anyone on screen that I could really relate to. I’ve never seen myself as a role model, but I believe it’s important audiences see diverse and authentic representation.”
Other pairings due to sparkle include Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent.
Stephen was part of a same-sex pairing last year with comedian Gearoid Farrelly, Niamh’s good friend and podcast co-host.
RTE said: “So we may see some friendly competition there on and off screen.”
Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney will take a few treacherous twists and turns with Laura Nolan, who won the Glitterball trophy with gymnast Rhys McClenaghan last year.
Reigning Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins is paired with Italian dance champ Leonardo Lini.
Comedian Michael Fry is paired with South African Kylee Vincent, who sat out last season on maternity leave.
She welcomed baby Lando with fellow pro Stephen Vincent in October.
And Kylee recently said: “I can’t wait to be back in the Dancing With The Stars ballroom.”
Fair City star Stephanie Kelly will join Ervinas Merfeldas, who is back for his fourth season of DWTS.
TV host and social media star Eric Roberts is paired with another newcomer, Italian Arianna Favaro.
Her boyfriend, Maciej Zieba, is back for a second season on the show — with the Pole paired with N17 singer Tolu Makay this year.
Olympic medal-winning rower and doctor Philip Doyle will be going for gold with Daniela Roze, a five-time All-Ireland Latin dance champion from Maynooth, Co Kildare.
Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin will be joined on the dancefloor by Robert Rowinski.
He has reached the final twice, with country singer Cliona Hagan in 2019 and with Eurovision star Brooke Scullion in 2023.
Robert also made the semi-final last year with former Miss Ireland Aishah Akorede.
Lastly, Irish Apprentice star Jordan Dargan is teaming up with Rebecca Scott, who is back for her second season on DWTS.
MAJOR CHANGES
The ninth season of the RTE One dance show kicks off on Sunday, January 4.
Series nine sees major changes with double Strictly winner Oti Mabuse replacing Loraine Barry as chief judge.
The South Africa native, 35, will join the existing panel of Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne.
Jennifer Zamparelli will co-host with 2FM’s Laura Fox, standing in for Doireann Garrihy.
She’s on maternity leave after welcoming her first child, daughter Rosie, with husband Mark Mehigan in October.
