Dancing with the Stars kicked off the New Year in style on Sunday night and, as expected, viewers were treated to dazzling dresses, a glorious deep glow of fake tan and some questionable moves.

The eleven stars and their dancing partners kicked off proceedings with a dazzling performance of Putting On The Ritz.

Viewers seemed to be mightily impressed by the opening number

With no eliminations for the first two weeks, this first episode gave adequate floor space to the five male contestants and their individual partners as the girls were left to wait until next week to show off their moves.

Here are top five moments from the opening episode of the 12-week series.

1. He shoots, he scores! Aidan O'Mahony's sizzling salsa

Kerry footballer Aidan O'Mahony admits he has never danced in his life but he set the dancefloor alight with his fiery salsa and impressed the judging panel with his GAA-themed routine.

Taking some style tips from his good friend Paul Galvin, the five-time All-Ireland star showcased his honed body in a sheer top.

Even Aidan's professional partner Valeria Milova found it hard to keep her clothes on. Her wardrobe malfunction seemed to add to the allure of their feisty performance. "I was on fire," she says, dismissing with charm that errant shoulder strap. 

The judges said Aidan could be “box office” with a little more work. Watch this space!

 

2. What a sport! Dancing Dessie wins the hearts of the nations

Sports commentator Des Cahill admits he'll be changing his tune about dancing at weddings after his performance - and by the looks of it he's going to be invited to a lot more.

Cahill stepped away from the side lines and tackled the foxtrot with partner Karen Byrne to Van Morrison’s Moondance and was applauded on Twitter for his killer ending and suave moves.

3. Hughie Maughan goes for bronze

Forget about going for gold... Big Brother runner-up Hughie Maughan went for bronze -literally. He caught the judges eye in a big way on last night's show, but it was his fake tan not his dance moves that lit up their faces and television screens across the nation.

Hughie effortlessly blends in the set with partner Emily 

Hughie performed a Cha Cha with his professional partner Emily Barker to the Years and Years track King, and the 22-year-old joked with the judges when it came time to receive his critique that he has "stolen everybody's fake tan."           

4. Des Bishop is hot, hot, hot!

Starting off the competition, a very determined Des Bishop opted for a tango and managed to rake in a whopping 18 points from the judges.

The comedian's moves and slick attire had judge Julian describing his performance as "hot, hot, hot", while Twitter was also receptive to the 41-year-old, with many singling him out as a highlight.

Taking to Twitter, Des poked fun at his facial expressions while dancing, sharing a still of his routine with the caption, "They really caught me at a moment on this one."

The funnyman also posted a selfie with his fellow contestants backstage so it looks like spirits are high in the DWTS camp.

5. Dayl Cronin brings it home

Hometown’s Dayl Cronin danced The Charleston to Calvin Harris’ My Way with his partner Ksenia Zsikhotska and impressed the judging panel by bringing the dance into the 21st century with some hip hop flair.

He told host Amanda Byram afterwards: “Every other rehearsal she’d fallen or we didn’t get the lift... we’re just delighted.”