Fair City star Stephanie Kelly is the latest contestant to be unveiled for the ninth series of Dancing with the Stars, which returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in January 2026.
Kelly, who plays Sash Bishop in the RTÉ series, is among the current longest-serving cast members in the soap's history and has been central to several major plots.
The actor and mother of three said she is "absolutely buzzing (and scarlet!)" to be joining the upcoming season as she "cannot dance for the life of me".
"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!", she said.
She continued: "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!"
Kelly joins four previously announced contestants: Eurovision star Niamh Kavanagh, Traitors Ireland contestant Paudie Moloney, current Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins and comedian Michael Fry, with seven more set to be unveiled for the line-up.
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 new series of Dancing with the Stars will be hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox.
Dancing with the Stars returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on 4 January 2026, airing on Sunday nights.
