LATEST: Dancing with the Stars to return with new faces as RTÉ confirms major shake-up

RTE has announced Dancing with the Stars will return to Irish screens in January 2026. 

They have also revealed the new Head Judge and presenter line-up for the ninth series of the hit show. 

The new Head Judge on the dancefloor this coming season is Oti Mabuse, who will join returning judges Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne. 

Oti Mabuse is best known for being a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing in the UK which she won in 2019 and 2020, and its German equivalent Let’s Dance.  

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Between 2021 and 2022, Oti was a panelist on The Masked Dancer and has served as a judge on Dancing on Ice from 2022 until 2025. 

Oti won the South African Latin American Championship eight times, after which she moved to Germany to broaden her dancing horizons. She has earned a number of titles in her dancing career; including third place in World Cup Freestyle Latin in 2014, second place European Championship Latin in 2014 and first place in German Championship PD Freestyle Latin.  

Speaking on joining the hit RTE show Oti said: “I’m so excited to be joining Dancing with the Stars Ireland as Head Judge! Dance has been such a huge part of my life, and to now have the opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and passion that Ireland has to offer is such a joy. As someone who has been on both sides of the judging table from performing as a professional dancer on Strictly to sitting on panels on different shows I know just how much heart, hard work and magic goes into every performance and how much this show means to everyone.  

She continued: “Irish audiences have always been so warm, supportive and fun-loving, so I already know we’re going to have the most amazing time together. I’m looking forward to having the best time with my fellow judges and can’t wait to bring my love for performance and, of course, a whole lot of sparkle, to this fabulous show.”   

Presenting the new season of Dancing with the Stars, Jennifer Zamparelli will return as a presenter for her seventh series, with Laura Fox joining as her co-presenter, standing in for Doireann Garrihy this season. 

Laura Fox is well known for her presenting role on 2FM radio where she’s live on air with her own show on weekdays from 9am to 12 noon 2FM Morning with Laura Fox.  

She also presents hit family-favourite RTE show Ireland’s Fittest Family. 

Laura has previously competed in the seventh series of Dancing with the Stars in 2024 reaching the Grand Final with her pro dance partner Denys Samson.  

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On joining the cast for the upcoming series, Laura said: “I’m beyond thrilled to be stepping into the ballroom as co-host of Dancing with the Stars this year! Having been a contestant on the show, I know exactly how nerve-wracking and magical it all is the glitter, the graft, the laughs and I honestly can’t wait to be part of it from this side of the stage. I’m absolutely buzzing to join Jen for the craic, and I’ll just be keeping the seat warm for Doireann while she takes a well-deserved break to welcome her new arrival. It’s such an iconic show and a real full-circle moment for me bring on the sequins!"  

Speaking on the new cast announcement, Alan Tyler, RTÉ Group Head of Entertainment and Music said: “Oti is a true star of the ballroom and beyond, and we are delighted to welcome her as the new head judge on Dancing with the Stars. The combination of her exceptional expertise, passion, and infectious enthusiasm will not only keep our competitors on their toes but will also ensure they have great fun in the process. Meanwhile we will all miss Doireann this year, but having former contestant and hugely talented presenter Laura Fox stepping into her dancing shoes means that the show won't put a foot wrong. With more surprises to come, we are excited to bring viewers a whole news season of 'Dancing with the stars'.” 

Starting in January, RTÉ’s hit series return to Irish screens on Sunday evenings promising glitz and glamour as 12 well-known celebrities' team up with professional dancers to perform live routines each week. Every week, the pairs will tackle a new dance style, from the Charleston to Salsa, and have just seven days to perfect their performance before each live show. 

An expert panel of four judges, along with the viewing public, will score each couple, with the winners ultimately claiming the coveted iconic glitter ball trophy in the series finale.