Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly has been announced as the final celebrity contestant for the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars. The popular show will return to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on 5 January, and Donnelly is excited to hit the dancefloor.
She shared her enthusiasm for joining the show, mentioning that she has always wanted to learn how to dance. Donnelly recalled a memorable experience from 1979 when she took an Irish dancing lesson and wore a costume her mother had saved up for. However, she only participated in one competition before quitting. Despite that, her mother, a big fan of the show, is supporting her every step of the way.
On Friday’s Late Late Show, five more celebrity contestants were revealed, including broadcaster Elaine Crowley, celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, Olympic gold medalist Rhys McClenaghan, actress Yasmin Seky, and social media influencer Kayleigh Trappe. Earlier in the week, Eurovision singer Mickey Joe Harte, Olympic taekwondo athlete Jack Woolley, comedian Gearóid Farrelly, Mrs. Brown’s Boys star Danny O’Carroll, and former Miss Universe Ireland Aishah Akorede were also named as participants for the 2025 competition.
Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy will return as hosts, while the judging panel will include professional dancer Karen Byrne, along with regular judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond, and Arthur Gourounlian.