Jordan Dargan is taking on a very different kind of boardroom pressure after being confirmed as the latest celebrity for Dancing with the Stars.
The Dublin entrepreneur finished third on BBC's The Apprentice earlier this year and now turns his focus to the glitterball, joining the line-up for the ninth season of the RTÉ series, which returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in January.
Dargan is the founder of Rendify Studios, a 3D animation company, and was the first Irish-Nigerian contestant to appear on The Apprentice UK. He has also spoken publicly about online abuse he experienced during the series, saying he focused on the positives and on using his platform to encourage young creatives in tech and design.
"I’m honoured to be joining the Dancing with the Stars family," Dargan said. "I’ve got zero dance experience and am genuinely starting from square one, so if I can do it, anyone can. It’s going to be a huge challenge for sure, but with an amazing pro partner and massive support from my family and friends, I’m ready to give it my all."
He added that his first reaction was to say no, but that he decided to push himself outside his comfort zone. "I believe true growth always sits on the other side of doing the things that terrify you," he said. "So I decided to lean into that, take the leap into the unknown and hopefully will make everyone proud."
Dancing with the Stars is hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox, with an expert judging panel of Oti Mabuse, Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne.
Other names confirmed so far include Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh, Traitors Ireland contestant Paudie Moloney, reigning Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins, comedian and actor Michael Fry, Fair City actress Stephanie Kelly, Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts, Olympic medal-winning rower and doctor Philip Doyle, musician Tolü Makay, podcaster Amber Wilson and Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin.
