Dancing with the Stars is set for an emotional evening this Sunday as the remaining celebrities take part in Dedicated Dance Week, honouring "a person or people who have made an impact on their lives".
"The good news for the nine celebrities is that no one leaves the competition this week, but everything is still to play for as the couple with the highest combined points from the judges' scores and public votes will earn immunity from the first dance-off of the series the following week," says the RTÉ One show.
"Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts will dedicate his dance to his nephew Oisín, who has cerebral palsy and autism and often features on Eric's social media. Oisín is a significant inspiration for Eric, who shares their adventures and celebrates his nephew's unique personality, promoting understanding of disabilities. Eric will dance a Tango with partner Arianna Favaro to Coldplay's Clocks. Coldplay is Eric and Oisín's favourite band, and they have seen them in concert together.
"Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh will pay special tribute to her nephew Daniel, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 23. Daniel was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2020. During the next three years, Niamh says, 'He embraced his life with dignity and beauty in a way I can't even begin to comprehend. He ran a marathon to raise money for the brain tumour foundation. He undertook his treatments with such grace'. Niamh and her partner Stephen Vincent will dance an American Smooth to Daniel by Elton John.
"Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins will dedicate her dance to her parents, Noel and Siobhan. She and dance partner Leonardo Lini will perform Contemporary Ballroom to Never Enough by Kelly Clarkson. The emotional routine will honour her parents' unwavering support throughout her life, particularly with challenges she faced growing up with a hearing impairment.
"The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney has ten very special dedications this week. He will be honouring his ten grandchildren, who range from 21-year-old hurler Shane to four-month-old newborn Oisín. Paudie will be giving a nod to his former life as a prison guard with a Jive with his pro partner Laura Nolan to The Blues Brothers' version of Jailhouse Rock.
"Singer Tolü Makay and Fair City actress Stephanie Kelly are both keeping it in the family with their dedications.
"Tolü will be dedicating her dance to her sister Timmy. Tolü and Timmy are not just sisters but best friends. Tolü and partner Maciej Zięba will dance a Foxtrot to When We Were Young by Adele.
"Stephanie will give a very special shout-out to her son Zach as she dances a Paso Doble with partner Ervinas Merfeldas to Kygo's Firestone. Now age 12, Zach has been Stephanie's best friend since the day he was born and even walked her down the aisle to an acoustic version of Firestone.
"Mum's the word this week as three celebrities will all pay tribute to the matriarchs in their lives.
"Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin will honour her dear mother Nancy, who passed away just weeks after Anne gave birth to her first child. Anne and her dance partner Robert Rowiński will dance an American Smooth to Don't Stop by Fleetwood Mac, a song that brings her back to her childhood.
"Mammy's boys The Apprentice UK star Jordan Dargan and Olympic rower Philip Doyle will also honour their mothers this week.
"In a dedicated dance to his mam, Ruth, Jordan and partner Rebecca Scott will dance an American Smooth to Christy Moore's The Voyage, which reminds Jordan of his late grandmother.
"Philip will also dedicate his dance to his mother, Una. He and partner Daniela Roze will dance a Samba to Dancing Queen by ABBA, which links to the story of how Una and her husband Eamonn, Philip's dad, who has passed away, sneaked into an ABBA concert in their youth.
"This special episode will honour former Dancing with the Stars judge Julian Benson, who passed away in April last year. Viewers will hear from former presenter Nicky Byrne and former Head Judge Loraine Barry, as well as current presenter Jennifer Zamparelli and judges Brian Redmond, Karen Byrne, and Arthur Gourounlian, who will share memories of their dear friend and colleague.
"The professional dancers will also honour the man endearingly named 'Captain Sparkle' with an emotional performance to Last Dance by Donna Summer.
"One couple will earn immunity from the following week's first dreaded dance-off. There will be no elimination this week."
Dancing with the Stars, Sundays, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, 6:30pm
