Three new professional dancers have joined the ninth series of Dancing with the Stars as the show prepares to return in January 2026.
Pro dancers Arianna Favaro, Leonardo Lini and James Cutler will be taking to the dancefloor for the upcoming season of the dancing competition, taking the place of exiting professional dancers Salome Chachua, Denys Samson and Simone Arena.
Speaking about joining the show, Italian dancer Favaro said: "I’m really thrilled to be joining Dancing with the Stars. It’s something new and special for me; an amazing opportunity and challenge that I can’t wait to experience."
Born in Bologna, Favaro began dancing at the age of 8 and quickly developed a passion for Latin dance.
She is known for both her competitive career and her work on stage, having represented Italy in WDSF Latin events, and is a member of the globally acclaimed dance production Burn the Floor.
Favaro has also appeared on Italian television in programmes such as Danza con me and On Dance. She is in a relationship with current DWTS pro dancer, Maciej Zięba.
Lini, an Italian dancer from Bassano del Grappa, said of taking part in the show: "I'm incredibly excited for my first season of Dancing with the Stars.
"I can't wait to give it my all and share my passion, my experience, and everything I love about this art with everyone."
Lini comes from a dance family and is known for his talent in Latin-American, ballroom, and modern dance.
During his competitive career, he won several titles and made finals at European and World competitions.
He has also appeared on television on the the popular Italian talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi and has worked with the theatrical dance company Burn the Floor.
British professional ballroom and Latin dancer Cutler said of the news: "I'm so delighted to be joining Dancing with the Stars! I’ve heard the audience here is amazing and unmatched in their warmth, energy and passion, so I’m really looking forward to experiencing that!
"Joining the cast is like joining a great big wacky, glamorous family! I can’t wait to meet my partner and get down to business! I’m hoping I can bring something new and exciting to the show. Bring on the live Sunday shows…. Sláinte!"
Last year, Cutler took part in the Belgian version of DWTS as a professional dancer, where he and his celebrity partner Miss Angel reached the latter stages of the competition.
During his career he has won multiple national and international titles, including championships in the UK, Canada and Denmark.
Off the competition floor, he has worked in television and theatre choreographing sell-out West End shows and assisting with choreography on Strictly Come Dancing.
Meanwhile, pro dancer Laura Nolan is back after her partnership with Rhys McClenaghan ended in victory last season.
She returns alongside Ervinas Merfeldas, Robert Rowiński, Stephen Vincent, Maciej Zięba, Alex Vladimirov, Rebecca Scott and Daniela Roze.
Kylee Vincent is also back in the ballroom after giving birth to her first child last year.
Exiting pro partner Salome Chachua said of departing the show: "After four wonderful seasons, I've made the difficult decision to step away from Dancing with the Stars this year for personal reasons. My time on the show has been one of the greatest joys of my career.
"The energy, the creativity, the incredible team, and of course the warm, welcoming spirit of Ireland. I will truly miss it all."
Denys Samson said: "It’s bittersweet to announce I won’t be returning to DWTS. This show has shaped so much of my life, and I’m endlessly grateful for every partner, colleague, friend, fan, and the incredible team at Shinawil who made this journey feel like home.
"Most importantly, thank you to the fans - your messages, your votes, your beautiful presents, and your unwavering support have lifted me up more than you’ll ever know. I’ve carried every bit of your kindness with me."
Simone Arena said: "After two wonderful seasons, I won’t be returning to Dancing with the Stars this year. I’m so grateful to the incredible production team, crew and everyone who makes the show what it is. Thank you for the beautiful memories."
Oti Mabuse has joined the DWTS judging panel as the new head judge this season, replacing the departing Loraine Barry. She joins returning judges Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne.
The celebrity dancers who will make up Dancing with the Stars' class of 2026, along with the pro partner pairings, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Dancing with the Stars returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in January 2026, airing on Sunday nights.
