Dancing with the Stars welcomes a new judge for 2025

09/12/2024

Dancing with the Stars welcomes a new judge for 2025

Two-time Dancing with the Stars winner Karen Byrne to join the Dancing with the Stars judging panel in January

RT announced today that the two-time Dancing with the Stars winner and professional dancer Karen Byrne will join the judging panel in 2025 alongside longstanding judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian.

Returning once again to RT One and RT Player in January 2025, Dancing with the Stars promises to bring glitter, glamour and dazzling performances to audiences in the new year.

Karen is a celebrated Ballroom and Latin dancer from Ballyfermot, best known for her standout performances on Dancing with the Stars, Karen featured as a pro dancer for seven seasons. She is a two-time winner of the coveted glitterball trophy, most recently in 2024 with Paralympian Jason Smyth and in 2018 with singer Jake Carter. Karen has represented Ireland at international dance competitions, teaches at her own studio in Inchicore and has a weekly podcast The Carter Couch with her partner Jake Carter and his brother Nathan - and occasionally Lenny the Cavapoo dog getting in on the action too!

Karen Byrne said, I am absolutely delighted to join the judges panel for my eighth season of Dancing with the Stars. 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! It doesn't feel real I don't think it will feel real until I sit in the chair. I've always looked at the judges seats and thought that must be the best seat in the house. Oh my god I get to hold a paddle!

The DWTS journey is the best, this show is in my veins I absolutely love it. I feel so honoured to now be on the judges panel with the fabulous Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian. Let the madness commence please can it be January already?

Head judge Loraine Barry commented: I'm thrilled to be heading into season eight of DWTS Ireland especially as we welcome the two-time champion Miss Karen Byrne to the judging panel. Karen is fresh off the dance floor into the judging seat and I look forward to working with her.

Arthur Gourounlian commented: I am over the moon to be returning for my fourth season of Dancing with the Stars! The thought of reuniting with this amazing DWTS family, sharing unforgettable moments, and diving into all the excitement we have in store fills me with so much joy. And what can I say about the incredible Karen? After watching her grace the dance floor with pure magic for three seasons, I'm beyond thrilled to now share the judging panel with her. It's going to be absolutely electrifying! Now, let's be honest the biggest question of the season might just be: who's going to win the battle of the biggest hair? Stay tuned. It's going to be an unforgettable ride.

Brian Redmond added: I'm delighted to be back on the judging panel for Dancing with the Stars 2025. I'm chuffed that Karen will be joining us on the judging panel this year after winning two glitterballs and seven seasons on the show, I think she's earned her place. I'm sure she'll challenge me, and maybe I'll challenge her, but it all makes for great excitement ahead of the new year. I can't wait to welcome Karen along to become the first fourth judge on Dancing with Stars. Roll on the new year!

Dancing with the Stars will be hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy again this season.

The first celebrity taking to the dance floor for the brand-new season of Dancing with the Stars will be announced on Monday December 9th.

-ENDS-

Date: Friday December 6th 2024

RT Communications:

Rayna Connery and adaoin Nic Giolla Chomhaill

About Dancing with the Stars 2025

Filling our Sunday evenings with glitz and glamour from January, the RT One series sees 11 well-known figures team up with a professional dancer to perform a live routine every week. Each pairing will have a different dancing genre to master every week, from the Charleston to hip hop, and they'll have just seven days to perfect their routine before performing live to the nation.

Each celebrity couple will be scored by an expert panel of four judges and the viewing public at home, with the winning couple claiming the much-coveted glitter ball trophy at the end of the series.

Dancing with the Stars is produced by ShinAwiL for RT .

Dancing with the Stars is proudly sponsored by Hyundai.

For all the latest news and backstage gossip on Dancing with the Stars, keep an eye on our social channels:

Instagram: @RTEOne & @DWTSIrl

TikTok: @RTEOne

Facebook: @RTEOne

Twitter: @RTEOne @DWTSIrl

#DWTSIrl

LINK:	https://about.rte.ie/2024/12/09/dancing-with-the-stars-welcomes-a-new-...
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