Musician Tolü Makay, Olympic rower Philip Doyle and podcaster Amber Wilson were revealed as the latest celebrities to be joining Dancing with the Stars' class of 2026 on Friday night's Late Late Show.
They appeared alongside new head judge Oti Mabuse and Eurovision Song Contest winner Niamh Kavanagh, who was the first celebrity to be announced to be joining the upcoming ninth season of the dance competition.
Nigerian-Irish singer-songwriter Makay had her breakthrough moment in 2021, when her cover rendition of N17 by The Saw Doctors was featured in RTÉ's New Year's Eve broadcast.
In the years since, she has continued to make waves — opening for Disclosure at a festival in Dublin, performing for former President Michael D. Higgins, and being featured in major Irish music showcases.
She said of joining the show: "I’m really looking forward to the challenge and seeing how my body responds and what I learn along the way. I’ve been craving something that’s challenging but still fun, and when DWTS landed in my inbox it felt right to say yes."
The singer said she is "looking forward to the glam" and "the theatre of getting ready for a show", adding: "Getting my hair and makeup done, stepping into those dresses swishing and swooshing around the floor, I live for that!"
As for her aspirations on the series, Makay said: "I’d love to make it far enough to do a dedication night and a contemporary piece. More than any specific dance, I want to really understand my body to feel confident in how I move and find my rhythm.
"As a singer and performer, I’ve always wanted to really learn how to move, so I’m hoping DWTS helps me feel more effortless and confident on stage."
Olympic bronze medal-winning rower Philip Doyle was also unveiled as a DWTS contestant on the Late Late. Hailing from Banbridge in Co Down, he is considered one of Ireland's most accomplished rowers, and is also a qualified medical doctor.
On joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, Doyle admitted he is feeling "a little nervous".
"As an athlete, we always expect the highest performance from ourselves, and this is unknown territory, so I don’t want to expect too much either."
"My dance experience is very limited, and I think this will be a unique experience to learn some lifelong skills for weddings and parties," he continued.
"My motivation for taking part is to elevate rowing as a sport in Ireland. We do awfully well with the medals but are poor at promoting the sport, and I also just love any form of challenge. I also really get a buzz off pushing myself out of my comfort zone."
Podcaster Amber Wilson, known for co-hosting the popular podcast Vogue & Amber with her sister Vogue Williams, was the third celebrity contestant to be unveiled on the Late Late.
Having taken over from Williams' husband Spencer Matthews, she has quickly become a fan favourite on the re-branded podcast, with candid conversations and comedic chemistry between the two sisters.
In a series first, Wilson will be paired with a female pro dancer on Dancing With The Stars. Lottie Ryan and Emily Barker danced together for one week during Switch Up week in 2020.
Raised in Howth, Co Dublin, Wilson has a background in art history, psychology, and PR and marketing. She has been open about her personal journey, including her experience of coming out to her family, which she discussed candidly on air.
She said she was "absolutely thrilled" to be part of DWTS, saying: "It’s a huge challenge and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That’s what life is all about for me: saying yes to new things and pushing myself outside my comfort zone.
"When I was growing up, I didn’t have anyone on screen that I could really relate to. I’ve never seen myself as a role model, but I believe it’s important for audiences to see diverse and authentic representation.
"Being part of the first female DWTS partnership on Irish television is something I’m deeply proud of, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to stand on that stage and represent my community."
The new series of Dancing with the Stars will be hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox, with Oti Mabuse, Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne judging the competition.
Dancing with the Stars returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on 4 January 2026, airing on Sunday nights.
