Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan crowned Dancing with the Stars champions

After 11 spectacular shows filled with glitz and glamour, highs and lows and captivating dances along the way, Rhys McClenaghan and his pro partner Laura Nolan have been crowned the winners of Dancing with the Stars 2025.

Commenting on winning series 8 and taking home the coveted Glitterball trophy, Rhys said: I don't have any words!

The final four couples to reach the final after an outstanding season were Danny O'Carroll and Salome Chachua, Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas, Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov and Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan.

The grand finale of series eight of Dancing with the Stars opened with a dazzling number from the pro-dancers, finalists and judges to Everybody Dance by Cedric Gervais x Franklin feat. Nile Rodgers.

The competition kicked in as the couples took to the floor for their first dance of the evening; the Judges' Choice, which tasked each couple with performing a routine from a previous week.

First on the floor tonight was Mrs. Brown's Boys actor, Danny O'Carroll and his partner Salome Chachua. The pair danced their Charleston from week two to Don't Blame it On Me by Michael Bubl .

Judge Loraine Barry said: I feel the trust between you and Salome has built up. You have started a brilliant final tonight.

Judge Arthur Gourounlian said: You absolutely smashed it, you took it to another level. That was electrifying, exhilarating and simply unforgettable.

Judge Brian Redmond said: More fluid, more energetic, more entertainment, great start!

Judge Karen Byrne said: You deserve your place in the final. It was slick, you looked like you were enjoying yourself!

Danny and Salome scored 39 points from the judges.

Next up, Taekwondo athlete, Jack Woolley and his pro-partner Alex Vladimirov threw it back to week five with their Dedicated Dance to Jack's friend Kellie Harrington: an American Smooth to Grace by The Wolfe Tones.

Arthur said: Every week you come here you shine bright. This wasn't just a great dance, this will go down in DWTS history as the best ever! Normally I would say J'adore, but for the weekend that's in it I will say: is gr liom!

Brian said: Big smiley head on me! I liked this dance the first time around but I absolutely lvoed it tonight.

Karen said: You really move people with this dance. I'm still not the better of seeing you dance to this song again. I feel this dance sums up your journey, and signifies such an amazing partnership that you and Alex have.

Loraine said: It was gentle, pure and heartwarming. This dance will always be an iconic performance on Dancing with the Stars.

Jack and Alex scored 40 points from the judges.

Social media star Kayleigh Trappe and her partner Ervinas Merfeldas were hoping to recapture the judges' adoration a second time around with their routine from Love Week, a Salsa to Christina Aguilera's Let There Be Love.

Brian said: Tonight, it's all or nothing and you've certainly come out giving it your all. You are certainly fighting and deserving of this place in the final.

Karen said: This dance shows how much you've grown. I think you should be so proud of yourself, you've grown immensely the two of you together.

Loraine said: Tonight you've come out shining. You've gone into those lifts with less fear. This is a good night for you.

Arthur: To me you have found your wings and you are flying. You have proved that you belong here in the final. I'm so beyond proud of you.

Kayleigh and Ervinas scored 38 points from the judges.

Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan reprised his Movie Week role of Spider-Man, as he and his professional partner Laura Nolan danced the Charleston to the iconic theme tune.

Karen said: You're the real life Irish Spiderman! This routine from beginning to end, it was pure and utter perfection.

Loraine said: Absolutely exhilarating from start to finish. Is there any chance they can do it again?

Arthur said: Your power is mesmerising. From gymnast to dancer, to me you have movement and rhythm in your DNA!

Brian said: You played the hero tonight but you're also an Olympic champion. You have become a real life superhero. Exceptional.

Rhys and Laura scored 40 points from the judges.

After the voting lines opened, it was down to business, as each couple performed their Showdance a freestyle performance that allowed them to combine different dance styles and showcase the creativity and skills they developed throughout their Dancing with the Stars journey.

Danny O'Carroll and Salome Chachua danced to Rock this Party by Bob Sinclair.

Loraine said: You rocked it, you got the party going. That was truly slick.

Arthur said: You have proven time and time again you're a force to be reckoned with. This is an incredible party I'm delighted to have been a part of.

Brian said: The Showdance is generally about summing up your journey on the show, but I think you summed yourself up as a person. It was full of determination, character and pure honest hard work.

Karen said: I feel you've set the standard now for the Showdances.

Danny and Salome scored a total of 37 from the judges.

Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov performed to Years & Years' version of Lady Gaga's anthem The Edge of Glory.

Arthur said: I truly have no words left to say. You will be remembered forever on this show.

Brian said: You've got that skillset, that Taekwondo athlete in you, and you've waited until the final to show us that. I clapped all the way through it, I don't think I've ever done that! You have been phenomenal.

Karen said: We expected it to be unbelievable. It was brilliant!

Loraine: There was so much electricity. Everything means the world to you, you give it your all. I can't believe you put in so much salsa, tan

LINK:	https://about.rte.ie/2025/03/17/rhys-mcclenaghan-and-laura-nolan-crown...
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