Dancing with the Stars 2025 Ireland: Season 8 Winners & Recap

The glitter was back on Irish screens on 5 January 2025, as Dancing with the Stars Season 8 lifted the curtain on what turned out to be a historic run. For the first time in the show’s history, a four-judge panel evaluated the 11 celebrity dancers — and when the final notes faded on 16 March, Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and partner Laura Nolan stood as champions.

Premiere: 5 January 2025 · Final: 16 March 2025 · Channel: RTÉ One · Celebrities: 11 · Judges: 4

The key facts table below summarises the essential details from the official sources.

Who is starring on Dancing with the Stars 2025?

Season 8 featured 11 celebrities paired with professional dancers, ranging from Olympic athletes to television personalities. The class of 2025 brought a diverse mix of Irish talent to the dance floor.

Celebrity contestants

The lineup included Rhys McClenaghan (Olympic gymnast), Joanna Donnelly (RTÉ meteorologist), Yasmin Seky (Kin actress), Gearóid Farrelly (comedian), Elaine Crowley (Ireland AM presenter), Kevin Dundon (chef), Kayleigh Trappe (social media star), Mickey Joe Harte (Eurovision singer), Jack Woolley (taekwondo Olympian), Aishah Akorede (former Miss Universe Ireland), and Danny O’Carroll (actor). The first celebrity announced on 9 December 2024 was Aishah Akorede, while Joanna Donnelly was the final name revealed on 15 December 2024.

Professional dancer pairings

The pro lineup was confirmed on 15 December 2024, with four new professionals joining: Alex Vladimirov, Daniela Roze, Maciej Zieba, and Rebecca Scott. Notable pairings included Rhys McClenaghan with Laura Nolan, Joanna Donnelly with Maciej Zieba, and Yasmin Seky with Simone Arena. Some pros from previous seasons did not return: Kylee Vincent (maternity leave), Jillian Bromwich, and Montel Hewson (professional careers).

What date does Dancing with the Stars start in 2025?

Season 8 premiered on Sunday, 5 January 2025 at 6:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. The season ran for approximately ten weeks, culminating in the final on Sunday, 16 March 2025. RTÉ confirmed the season’s return on 30 August 2024, officially putting the dates on the schedule.

Premiere details

The premiere episode opened with “All I Wanna Do” by Outasight featuring all 11 celebrities taking the stage together. Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan set the early pace by scoring 31 points in Week 1, immediately establishing themselves as contenders.

Broadcast schedule

Episodes aired weekly on Sunday evenings at 6:30pm throughout the season. The RTÉ schedule confirmed the Sunday night slot as the permanent broadcast time, with each episode featuring live performances, judging, and viewer voting.

Where can you watch Dancing with the Stars 2025?

Irish viewers have multiple options for catching the show, whether live or on demand. The primary broadcast remained on RTÉ One for those with traditional television access.

TV broadcast

The show aired live on RTÉ One every Sunday at 6:30pm. For those watching on the night, this was the main option to see performances in real time along with the judging and voting results.

Online streaming options

The RTÉ Player offered live streaming for viewers who preferred to watch online or on mobile devices. Full episodes were available on YouTube following their broadcast, making catch-up viewing accessible. Episodes also appeared on the RTÉ website for registered users.

Who are the Dancing with the Stars Ireland 2025 judges?

Season 8 marked a historic first for the judging panel, which expanded from three to four judges. The new-look panel brought fresh perspectives while retaining experienced regulars.

Judging panel

The judging panel consisted of Brian Redmond, Loraine Barry, Arthur Gourounlian, and new addition Karen Byrne. Karen Byrne, a two-time champion as a professional dancer, was confirmed as the fourth judge on 8 December 2024, marking her transition from the dance floor to the judging desk. This expansion represented the first time the show operated with four judges.

Guest judges if announced

As of the confirmed information available, no guest judges had been announced for the season. The panel remained constant throughout the competition with the four core judges scoring each performance.

What to expect from Dancing with the Stars Ireland 2025 season?

The season delivered the format that has made the show a staple of Irish Sunday evenings — celebrity contestants learning new dance styles, competing weekly, and facing elimination in front of a live studio audience. The show features weekly live routines spanning different genres, from Charleston to hip hop.

Format and episodes

Each episode featured celebrity-professional pairs performing routines scored by the four judges. The scoring combined with a public vote determined who advanced and who faced elimination. The format remained consistent throughout the season, building toward the crowning of champions.

Previous season highlights

Season 7 had set the bar with strong viewership, and Season 8 looked to build on that foundation with its expanded panel and diverse cast. The show has established itself as one of RTÉ’s flagship entertainment programs since its debut.

The 2025 season wrapped as a landmark year for Irish television’s most glittering competition. With a record-breaking panel, diverse celebrity lineup, and historic partnerships on the floor, Season 8 delivered appointment viewing through spring. The wins for Rhys and Laura crowned an impressive run, but the broader impact was felt in the milestones — same-sex partnerships, four-judge panels, and Olympic athletes bringing sports credibility to the ballroom. For Irish viewers, the question now turns to Season 9: what new format changes, what fresh faces, and which professional will claim the spotlight next?

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The season premiered on 5 January with the Ireland cast and start details generating early buzz among fans before Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan claimed victory on 16 March.

Frequently asked questions