A Traitors Ireland fan favourite is the next contestant to join the Dancing with the Stars class of 2026, which gets underway in the new year.
Over the weekend, Eurovision legend Niamh Kavanagh was announced as the first celebrity to take part in the new series, which is being fronted by Jennifer Zamparelli and stand-in presenter Laura Fox.
It comes following the announcement that three new professional dancers would be joining the series, along with a new head judge in Oti Mabuse.
Retired prison officer Paudie Moloney won the hearts of the nation following his stint on the very first series of The Traitors Ireland.
Now, there’s set to be murder on the dancefloor as the Limerick man swaps the cape for dancing shoes in the new year.
Speaking following the news that he would be participating in Dancing with the Stars, Paudie said he was both ‘very excited’ and a ‘little apprehensive.’
He said: ‘I’m really looking forward to the challenge, but I’m afraid all the glitter, the fake tan, and the sequins are going to be very new to me so I don’t know what to make of any of that.
‘My close family are very excited about me doing it and they can’t wait to see the show. Some friends think I’m mad but are also excited for me. I know the grandkids will be delighted and mortified at the same time.’
Paudie added that he got ‘very lucky’ with his professional dance partner.
The reality star admitted that ‘sober dancing’ would be a new experience for him.
Paudie is the second contestant announced for the upcoming series of the celebrity dancing competition. On Sunday, Eurovision icon Niamh Kavanagh was confirmed as the first contestant.
The singer admitted she was ‘beside herself but trying to act cool’ following news of her new venture, and admitted she was nervous to be ‘stepping into the unknown publicly.’
Eurovision icon annouced as first contestant for Dancing With The Stars 2026
The new series of the RTÉ show will see presenter Laura Fox joining the presenting team as she steps in for Doireann Garrihy who is currently on maternity leave.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse also joins the show as the new head judge. Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne are all returning to the judges table and are ready to score the latest batch of celebrity dancers.
Dancing With The Stars returns to our screens from Sunday, January 4 on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
