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Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent eliminated on Dancing with the Stars

Updated / Sunday, 15 Feb 2026 22:37
Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh with pro dancer Stephen Vincent after their DWTS elimination Photo: Kyran O'Brien
Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent found themselves in "the dreaded dance-off" when the judges' scores and the viewers' votes were combined on Sunday night Photos: Kyran O'Brien

Singer Niamh Kavanagh and her professional dance partner Stephen Vincent have become the latest couple to be eliminated on Dancing with the Stars.

They found themselves in "the dreaded dance-off" when the judges' scores and the viewers' votes were combined on Sunday night.

The Eurovision winner, dancing the Tango, lost out in the dance-off to The Apprentice UK star Jordan Dargan and his professional dance partner Rebecca Scott, dancing the Quickstep.

Judges Arthur Gourounlian, Karen Byrne, and Brian Redmond all chose to save Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott, with Head Judge Oti Mabuse saying she agreed with their decision.

The result of the dance-off Photo: Kyran O'Brien
(L-R) Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent salute Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott

After her elimination, Niamh Kavanagh said she had "the best time" on the show as she saluted her "magnificent" professional dance partner.

"I will take this right into the next decade," she added.

Next Sunday is the hundredth episode of the show.

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

The Story of the Night

Eric Roberts and Arianna Favaro

First up on Sunday's show were Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts and professional dance partner Arianna Favaro, dancing a Cha-cha-cha to the Jonas Brothers hit Waffle House.

Head Judge Oti Mabuse said Eric got the show started "on the right track". She said that "certain bits were out of time".

Arthur Gourounlian said: "That was Cha-cha-cha!" He called it "so entertaining".

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

Brian Redmond had issues with the timing, but the energy and fun were "chef's kiss".

Karen Byrne called it "a lovely opening". She agreed about the timing but said it was probably due to overexcitement. The technique Eric showed when he was on time was "lovely".

32 points for Eric and Arianna

Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent

Next up were Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh and professional dance partner Stephen Vincent, dancing a Tango to Destiny's Child's Survivor.

Arthur Gourounlian said Niamh's Tango "gave me life". He saluted Niamh's frame and footwork. "Precision wrapped into passion," he concluded.

Brian Redmond praised the technical detail in the second half and the intensity, but he "didn't quite get into" the first section. "But there's no doubt about it at all - you can absolutely give us the technical detail that I love, so well done on that," he added.

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

Karen Byrne said she loved it. She said the dance was "very intense". "From the beginning to the end, you were on it," she told Niamh.

Oti Mabuse agreed that the second half was stronger and wanted the same attack in the first half. As regards frame and posture, she said Niamh was "magnetic to watch".

27 points for Niamh and Stephen

Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott

The third couple were The Apprentice UK star Jordan Dargan and professional dance partner Rebecca Scott, dancing a Quickstep to One Direction's Story of My Life.

Brian Redmond saluted the "technical detail", "lovely frame", and the "nice little flourishes here and there". Bar "just the odd little flat foot here and there", Brian said it was "very nice".

Karen Byrne said it was "brilliant". She described Jordan and Rebecca as "beaming". She said there was no gapping, and Jordan's frame is getting better every week.

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

Oti Mabuse said it was the "perfect combination" of a fast dance and storytelling.

Arthur Gourounlian praised Jordan's control and stamina. He called it "a jam-packed routine".

35 points for Jordan and Rebecca

Stephanie Kelly and Ervinas Merfeldas

The fourth couple were Fair City star Stephanie Kelly and professional dance partner Ervinas Merfeldas, performing a Viennese Waltz to the Boyz II Men ballad End of the Road.

Karen Byrne called Stephanie "a pure example of what this show is". She said she was "so happy after watching it" and loved the flow.

Oti Mabuse said Stephanie has "come so far" in her dancing. "It was connected, and I loved it," she added.

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

Arthur Gourounlian called it "beautifully put together". "Stunning," he concluded.

Brian Redmond said it "flowed fantastically" as Stephanie transitioned in and out of hold.

31 points for Stephanie and Ervinas

Philip Doyle and Daniela Roze

The fifth couple of the night were Olympic rower Philip Doyle and professional dance partner Daniela Roze, dancing a Charleston to Girls Aloud's Love Machine.

Oti Mabuse called it "a melting pot of everything". "I feel like there's no end to your talent," she told Philip.

Arthur Gourounlian said it was "so much fun" and "the romance was there". "You are the king of lifts!" he told Philip.

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

Brian Redmond said Philip delivered lots of energy and great lifts. He said the swivels were a bit floppy at times, but he "loved it" overall.

Karen Byrne said it was a great comeback after last week and "so slick". "I have never seen a lift like that - all on one leg!" she enthused.

35 points for Philip and Daniela

Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini

The sixth couple were Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins and professional dance partner Leonardo Lini, dancing a Rumba to Boyzone's No Matter What.

Arthur Gourounlian said he was "absolutely speechless". "I didn't expect this from you," he told Katelyn.

Brian Redmond said there is "still the little occasional work to be done with the arms", but "everything with the arms down was excellent". "That's about as good as a female celebrity Rumba gets," he concluded.

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

Karen Byrne said it was "one of the best female celeb Rumbas" in DWTS history. She saluted Leonardo as a teacher and Katelyn as a pupil.

Oti Mabuse called it "the Rumba of dreams". "There was absolutely nothing not to love about that dance," she said.

39 points for Katelyn and Leonardo

Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan

Next up were The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney and professional dance partner Laura Nolan, dancing a Tango to Westlife's When You're Looking Like That.

Brian Redmond said it was "full of French flair" but "lacking in Parisian passion". However, he said Paudie's frame had improved.

Karen Byrne loved the Tango content. "You didn't miss one step again. I really enjoyed it," she said.

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

Oti Mabuse said she wanted more sharpness and intent, but Paudie had "the best Tango frame we've seen".

Arthur Gourounlian loved Paudie's footwork. "You really handled yourself beautifully," he added.

22 points for Paudie and Laura

Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba

The final couple of the night were singer-songwriter Tolü Makay and professional dance partner Maciej Zięba with a Salsa to BLACKPINK's Boombayah.

Karen Byrne said it was "the Tolü show". She loved "the sass" and "hip action".

Oti Mabuse called it "spicy" and "saucy". "You were in your element," she told Tolü.

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

Arthur Gourounlian said Tolü was "on fire" and should join BLACKPINK!

Brian Redmond said it was "full of fun and full of energy", but "a bit messy in the feet every now and then".

36 points for Tolü and Maciej

The Team Dances - with more points up for grabs for each couple

Then, Jennifer Zamparelli took the lead as captain of the boys' team, made up of Eric Roberts, Jordan Dargan, Paudie Moloney, and Philip Doyle, and their respective partners. They danced to Take That featuring Lulu's Relight My Fire.

Oti Mabuse said: "What a job!" She thought there was a missed lift, but "you all came together so well".

Arthur Gourounlian said the team "brought every single creative aspect to this number" with "a little mistake here and there".

Jennifer Zamparelli with the Lads during the Team Dance on Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Karen Byrne loved "the craic". She wanted to know when she can dance with Paudie. "Well done, Team Jen," she concluded.

Brian Redmond singled out Jordan as a teammate and a solo star. He praised Team Captain Jen as "like a fine wine".

33 points for Team Jen

The ladies' team featured Katelyn Cummins, Niamh Kavanagh, Stephanie Kelly, and Tolü Makay, alongside their respective partners, and was led by Laura Fox. The girls took on the roles of Sporty, Ginger, Baby, Scary, and Posh, dancing to the Spice Girls hit Spice Up Your Life.

Arthur Gourounlian said Team Laura was "flawless". He singled out Katelyn for praise.

Brian Redmond loved the characterisation and teamwork - and Niamh Kavanagh as Ginger Spice!

Presenter Laura Fox with the Girls during the Team Dance during the live show of RTE's Dancing with the Stars Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Karen Byrne said it was "so fun". "I wanted to get out there and join in!" she enthused. She added that Stephanie "stood out".

Oti Mabuse said Team Captain Laura "stole the show". "It also felt like everybody knew what they were doing, and you were there to give it 100%. What a way to end the show!" she concluded.

39 points for Team Laura

Then came the dance-off and Niamh and Stephen's elimination.

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

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