Current Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins has been announced as the third celebrity contestant for the ninth series of Dancing with the Stars, which returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in January 2026.
Katelyn was crowned the 2025 International Rose of Tralee in August, becoming the first Laois Rose to hold the title in the festival's 65-year history. From a village on the Laois-Kilkenny border, the 21-year-old is an apprentice electrician and plans to pursue an engineering degree.
Looking ahead to swapping her work gear for sequins, she said she has promised herself to "take every opportunity" that comes her way during her Rose year.
"Since 19 August, 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," she said. "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 is a completely new world to me, a big change from the Snickers and steel toe cap boots, but I cannot wait to get stuck in and give it my all."
Katelyn impressed audiences last summer with her jiving skills on stage during the Rose of Tralee competition. She has also spoken about her apprenticeship and the importance of encouraging more women to consider alternative education routes to the traditional college pathway.
Dancing with the Stars will be hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox. Across the new series, 12 well-known faces will be paired with professional dancers, taking on a different dance style each week, from the Charleston to Salsa, with just seven days to perfect their routines before performing live.
Couples will be scored by judges Oti Mabuse, Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne, along with the public vote at home, as they compete for the glitter ball trophy.
