skip to main content

Anne Cassin and Robert Rowiński eliminated on Dancing with the Stars

Updated / Sunday, 8 Feb 2026 22:47
Anne Cassin and Robert Rowiński who lost the danceoff during the live show of RTE's Dancing with the Stars. Pic: Kyran O’Brien
Dancing the Jive, Anne Cassin and Robert Rowiński lost out to Olympic rower Philip Doyle and his professional dance partner Daniela Roze, who were dancing the Tango in a bid to stay in the competition Photos: Kyran O'Brien

Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin and her professional dance partner Robert Rowiński have been eliminated in the first dance-off of the current series of Dancing with the Stars.

The "dreaded dance-off" came when the judges' scores and viewers' votes were combined on Sunday night.

Dancing the Jive, Cassin and Rowiński lost out to Olympic rower Philip Doyle and his professional dance partner Daniela Roze, who were dancing the Tango in a bid to stay in the competition.

Judges Karen Byrne, Arthur Gourounlian, and Brian Redmond all chose to save Doyle and Roze, with head judge Oti Mabuse saying she agreed with their decision.

Anne Cassin and Robert Rowiński on Week Six of Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien
Anne Cassin - "I have absolutely enjoyed every single minute of this"

"It's been immersive, absorbing, challenging, difficult, exhilarating, and wonderful!" said Cassin before her farewell dance.

"I have absolutely enjoyed every single minute of this," she added.

On the night, Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts and his professional dance partner Arianna Favaro topped the leaderboard with 39 points for their Charleston.

Next weekend sees the remaining eight couples battle it out in Boybands vs Girl Groups.

Dancing with the Stars, Sundays, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, 6:30pm

The Story of the Night

Stephanie Kelly and Ervinas Merfeldas

The first couple of the night were Fair City star Stephanie Kelly and professional dance partner Ervinas Merfeldas, performing "a spooky Salsa" to Cascada's Evacuate the Dancefloor.

Oti Mabuse said: "What an explosive way to open Fright Night!" She said it had a lot of energy and fun, but Stephanie needs to pay more attention to her feet.

Arthur Gourounlian wanted clearer hip movements, but he added that Stephanie is "still bringing it".

Stephanie Kelly and Ervinas Merfeldas on Week Six of Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Brian Redmond agreed with Oti that Stephanie has to work more on her lower half. He said she needs to control her energy and bring the polish.

Karen Byrne said she loved the energy and agreed with her fellow judges that the bottom half "needs a little bit more attention".

26 points for Stephanie and Ervinas

Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan

Next up were The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney and professional dance partner Laura Nolan, dancing "a petrifying Paso Doble" to The Traitors theme tune by Sam Watts.

Arthur Gourounlian said Paudie proved he has the moves and the personality. He called it "pure dance".

Brian Redmond saluted Paudie's characterisation and cape work. He said Paudie needs "a little bit more projection" in his body. He concluded that Paudie didn't murder the Paso!

Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan on Week Six of Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Karen Byrne said Paudie is "back with a vengeance".

Oti Mabuse saluted Paudie's growth and intensity. "My God, welcome back!" she concluded.

23 points for Paudie and Laura

Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini

The third couple of the night were Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins and professional dance partner Leonardo Lini, dancing "a chilling Cha-cha-cha" to Dua Lipa's Break My Heart. They were guaranteed immunity this week, having topped the leaderboard on Dedicated Dance Week last week.

Brian Redmond said Katelyn relaxed a bit too much in her performance, and he wanted sharper legs.

Karen Byrne "categorically" disagreed. She said the technique and legs were "so precise".

Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini on Week Six of Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Oti Mabuse said it was "brilliant". "Great legs, great content," she added.

Arthur Gourounlian said Katelyn "absolutely smashed it" and "didn't hold back".

34 points for Katelyn and Leonardo

Anne Cassin and Robert Rowiński

The fourth couple of the night were Nationwide host Anne Cassin and professional dance partner Robert Rowiński, performing "a spine-chilling Jive" to Zara Larsson's Can't Tame Her.

Karen Byrne said parts of the routine lacked energy and bounce. However, the characterisation was "really good".

Oti Mabuse said "the Jive bit" needed more energy and there were some timing issues, but she loved the fact that Anne stayed in character.

Anne Cassin and Robert Rowiński on Week Six of Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Arthur Gourounlian loved the character elements and the effort.

Brian Redmond said Anne played "the character really, really well", but he wants Anne to work on her kicks.

14 points for Anne and Robert

Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott

Next up were The Apprentice UK star Jordan Dargan and professional dance partner Rebecca Scott, dancing "a scary Samba" to Rak-Su's I Want You to Freak.

Oti Mabuse said it looked like Jordan was having the time of his life. She said the Samba was disappointing and didn't have the bounce and hip action she wanted.

Arthur Gourounlian said Jordan's upper body was weak. "Still a good job," he said.

Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott on Week Six of Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Brian Redmond called the Samba "the celebrity killer". He said Jordan "got the steps, but just not what was going on through the feet".

Karen Byrne said it was a "jam-packed" routine, but she wanted more Samba in Jordan's upper half. "It wasn't your best dance," she said, "but it wasn't your worst. Still a great dance."

28 points for Jordan and Rebecca

Philip Doyle and Daniela Roze

The sixth couple of the night were Olympic rower Philip Doyle and professional dance partner Daniela Roze, performing "a terrifying Tango" to Robert Palmer's Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor).

Arthur Gourounlian said Philip had delivered "exactly what the doctor ordered".

Brian Redmond said Philip's spine is still "not quite in the right place". "You need to settle down into the position a little bit more and just get more compact, but I loved all the steps," he added. "They were great!"

Philip Doyle and Daniela Roze on Week Six of Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Karen Byrne said she loved "the whole character" - and was lost for words after the hip thrusts!

Oti Mabuse said it was a massive improvement and Philip "meant business". She thinks Philip has "one of the best Tango frames that we've had in the competition".

33 points for Philip and Daniela

Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba

Next up were singer-songwriter Tolü Makay and professional dance partner Maciej Zięba with "a bloodcurdling Contemporary Ballroom" routine to Evanescence feat. Paul McCoy's Bring Me to Life.

Brian Redmond said although some moments were "a little bit manic", Tolü proved she can do it all.

Karen Byrne loved the drama and strength. "You just went for it!" she enthused.

Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba on Week Six of Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Oti Mabuse said it was "so powerful". She wanted a better frame in the Tango but said Tolü had "every one of us on the edge of our seats". "That was deadly," she concluded.

Arthur Gourounlian said: "This zombie came to life - and gave me life!"

37 points for Tolü and Maciej

Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent

The eighth couple of the night were Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh and professional dance partner Stephen Vincent, dancing "a paranormal Paso Doble" to Electric Six's Danger! High Voltage.

A thrilled Karen Byrne said Niamh was "on every step". "I feel you're improving every week," she concluded.

Oti Mabuse said Niamh "carried the story" and had the Paso Doble moments that were needed. "Yes!" she said.

Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent on Week Six of Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Arthur Gourounlian said it was "electric". He called it "perfection" for Fright Night.

Brian Redmond said the other contestants should now be scared of Niamh. He said Niamh needs a little more technique and clarity, but this was her best dance to date.

31 points for Niamh and Stephen

Eric Roberts and Arianna Favaro

The final couple on Sunday's show were Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts and professional dance partner Arianna Favaro, dancing "a creepy Charleston" to Derek Martin's Happy.

Oti Mabuse said: "Stop the lights! That was amazing!"

A breathless Arthur Gourounlian said it was "jam-packed" and "full of action".

Eric Roberts and Arianna Favaro on Week Six of Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Brian Redmond said Eric could have jumped higher and done the splits lower. "But apart from that, it was pretty good!" he smiled.

Karen Byrne said it was a dance to remember. She said it was "the dance of the night by a mile". She saluted the swivels and said the creativity in the choreography was perfect.

39 points for Eric and Arianna

Dancing with the Stars, Sundays, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, 6:30pm

Click here for more television news.

More stories on

Read Next