Meet the 2026 Dancing with the Stars contestants

Dancing with the Stars is back on our screens in the new year.

And with a new season comes a new cast of celebrities.

We can’t wait to meet our class of 2026.

Thankfully, RTÉ are revealing the new list of contestants. Let’s meet our celebrities…

Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh is the first celebrity to be revealed for this year’s sparkling line-up for Dancing with the Stars 2026.

On joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, Niamh said: “I am beside myself but trying to act all cool – like it’s no bother! It would be a lie to say I’m not nervous, stepping into the unknown publicly brings its own nerves. However, what I mostly am is excited, I don’t have to be good at this but I’ll work hard to get as good as I can!

“The glitz and glam side of things is probably the most difficult part for me as I usually don’t think too much about sequins and certainly not fake tan –I haven’t even had my ears pierced! I have very little experience in formal choreography. When I did school shows I was mainly cast as a singer and mostly I was told to stay out of the way of other people until it was time for me to sing.

“I did briefly do ballet for about six months – I was 12 years of age, everyone else in the class was about six and it didn’t go as well as I would’ve wanted. However, I do love a dance, and I do obviously move on stage but I’m very economical these days. I have performed in pantomimes, but usually I’m evil and wear a big dress so you don’t see that the legs aren’t doing what they should be – I walk with attitude beautifully!”

It’s set to be a murder on the dancefloor as The Traitors Ireland legend Paudie Moloney has been revealed as the second contestant on Dancing with the Stars this season!

Speaking about Dancing with the Stars, Paudie said: “I’m very excited about taking part in Dancing with the Stars and also a little apprehensive at the same time. I’m really looking forward to the challenge, but I’m afraid all the glitter, the fake tan, and the sequins are going to be very new to me so I don’t know what to make of any of that.

“My close family are very excited about me doing it and they can’t wait to see the show. Some friends think I’m mad but are also excited for me. I know the grandkids will be delighted and mortified at the same time.

“I really got lucky with my pro dancer – I can’t say the same for her but she has reassured me we’ll have a lot of fun while going through this great experience. As I was saying to my wife, Bernadette, it will be a whole new experience sober dancing – I’m normally only dancing at weddings now and, depending on the circumstances, the odd funeral. Bernadette and I have always been great fans of the show. We’ve watched all seasons so far, but I still couldn’t tell you the difference between a Quickstep and an American Smooth.”

Current Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins has been revealed as the third contestant lighting up the dancefloor for the ninth series of Dancing with the Stars.

On joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, Katelyn said: “Since August 19th, when I was handed the International Rose of Tralee sash, I promised myself that I would take every opportunity that came my way and make the most of this amazing year. I’m beyond grateful and so excited to be part of this year’s Dancing with the Stars.

“My parents were the first to know – their unwavering support has gotten me to where I am today. I hope I can continue to make them proud and be an inspiration for my younger sister and brother.

“From Irish dancing to set dancing and school musicals, dance has always been something I’ve enjoyed. I’d love to master the jive as it’s been a personal favourite of mine over the last few years when dancing with my Mam and my friends. It’s a completely new world to me, a big change from the Snickers and steel toe cap boots but I can’t wait to get stuck in and give it my all!”

It’s out of the frying pan and into the sequins for comedian and actor Michael Fry as he will take to the ballroom in January!

Speaking about joining Dancing with the Stars this year, Michael said: “I’m very excited to be learning how to dance in a way that doesn’t suggest I’m utterly ashamed of myself. It’ll come with transferable skills in that being more aware of my body is only going to make me a better performer. Michelle Yeoh started out as a dancer and ended up doing cool fight scenes and action movies. It could be me in the next Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

“Other than at weddings, I’ve got zero dance experience as an adult, but I did Irish dancing and stage school when I was a child. I won a trophy for Irish dancing and it’s the only trophy I own. Maybe I’m only good at dancing if I don’t have to use my arms…

“My friends have all been extremely supportive of me taking part in the show and are keen to come see me live in the audience. They’re all very jealous that I get to learn how to dance with a professional and would have been furious if I had turned it down.

“I am nervous about such a physical challenge because I’m extremely unfit. I’ve treated my body badly over the years and we’re about to find out just how badly. I’m hoping there’s an artful way to bend over with a stitch mid-routine.”

Fair City star Stephanie Kelly will be showing off her Samba skills in the new year.

Speaking about joining Dancing with the Stars, Stephanie said: “I am absolutely buzzing (and scarlet!) to be part of this season’s DWTS! I can’t believe I agreed to do it seeing as I cannot dance for the life of me! I have no experience and sure I couldn’t even name half of the dances that are involved!

“I don’t train or go to the gym so the extent of my fitness is running around after my three kids. I don’t know what’s scarier – trying to dance to actual choreography in front of the nation or the fact I have to wear heels while doing it!

“My kids are so excited to see their mammy dancing on TV. My daughter Rosie in particular loves to dance and dress up so she’ll be buzzing. My eldest boy told me not to worry if I fall because ‘sure it’ll be funny!’ My youngest is only 3 so he hasn’t a clue what’s going on until he sees it. I am hoping I can give a cheeky wave to them during the live shows!”

Tune in for all the glitz and glam from Sunday, January 4th on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.