Eurovision Champion Niamh Kavanagh to Compete on Dancing with the Stars Ireland
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A celebrated voice in Irish music is trading ballads for ballroom dancing. Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh has been confirmed as the first celebrity contestant on the upcoming season of Dancing with the stars, set to premiere on RTÉ One on January 4, 2026.
Kavanagh, who captivated audiences with her winning performance of “in Your Eyes” at the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest, is embracing a new challenge. The song resonated deeply with the Irish public, becoming the best-selling single of the year and cementing its place as a Eurovision classic. She revisited the competition in 2010 with “It’s for You,” successfully qualifying for the final in Oslo.
The singer expressed a mix of excitement and trepidation about joining the show.”I am beside myself but trying to act all cool – like it’s no bother!” Kavanagh stated. “It would be a lie to say I’m not nervous, stepping into the unknown publicly brings its own nerves.However, what I mostly am is excited, I don’t have to be good at this but I’ll work hard to get as good as I can!”
Stepping Outside a Comfort Zone
Kavanagh readily admits that the glamorous aspects of the competition present a unique hurdle. “The glitz and glam side of things is probably the most arduous part for me,” she explained. “I usually don’t think too much about sequins and certainly not fake tan – I haven’t even had my ears pierced! I have very little experience in formal choreography.” Her previous stage experience largely revolved around singing, frequently enough with instructions to “stay out of the way” during school productions.
– Pro tip: Kavanagh is a dedicated fan of dance competition shows like Strictly and Dancing with the Stars, admitting she has strong opinions on the dance moves she can’t yet perform herself.
Despite her lack of formal dance training, Kavanagh is a dedicated fan of the genre. “I love watching Strictly and dancing with the Stars,” she said. “I watch them every year. I have opinions on all of the dance moves … that I can’t do myself.” She’s notably drawn to the personal growth she witnesses on these shows, adding, “I’ve watched people grow while they do the whole process, so I’m excited from that point of view.”
Anticipation for the Season Ahead
Kavanagh is eager to collaborate with the show’s expert judging panel – Oti Mabuse, Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian, and Karen Byrne – and is looking forward to seeing her fellow celebrities’ performances. “I’m not going to lie, I probably will fan-girl a little bit over Oti and I already love Brian, Karen and Arthur,” she confessed. “Truthfully, I can’t wait to work with the whole team and I’m very excited to see how the other celebs do. I want to see them do well so I’m just going to point myself at it and have the whole experience – sparkles, spray tan and all!”
– Reader question: Will Kavanagh’s lack of experience with “glitz and glam” be a disadvantage? She acknowledges it’s a hurdle but is embracing the challenge.
the show will be hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox,who is filling in for Doireann Garrihy while she is on leave. Twelve well-known figures will partner with professional dancers, tackling a different dance style each week – from the energetic Charleston to the passionate salsa – with just seven days to prepare for their live performances.
Celebrity couples will be evaluated by both the judges and the viewing public, culminating in the awarding of the coveted glitter ball trophy to the winning pair. Tune in for all the glitz and glam from Sunday, January 4, 2026, on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
