Joanna Donnelly
Met Éireann meteorologist Joanna Donnelly has been revealed as the final celebrity contestant for this season’s Dancing With The Stars lineup.
The meteorologist with 25 years experience under her belt will join the 11 hopefuls vying for the glitterball trophy.
“I’m ready to get my feet moving. I’ve watched the show all these years, and all I want to do is learn how to dance,” said Donnelly.
“I had an Irish dancing lesson back in 1979 and my mother spent a year’s savings on an Irish dancing costume, but I did one Feis and then quit. She never let me live it down! But she was a huge fan of Dancing with the Stars, so she’s definitely got my back on this.”
On Friday it was announced that Ireland AM presenter Elaine Crowley, celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, pommel horse Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan, actress Yasmin Seky and social media star Kayleigh Trappe would also compete on the show.
The five celebrities announced on Friday’s Late Late Show. L-R: Kayleigh Trappe, Kevin Dundon, Elaine Crowley, Rhys McClenaghan and Yasmin Seky
While earlier this week, Eurovision singer Mickey Joe Harte, Irish taekwondo Olympian Jack Woolley, comedian Gearóid Farrelly, Mrs Brown’s Boys actor Danny O’Carroll and former Miss Universe Ireland, Aishah Akorede were revealed as contestants.
Dancing with the Stars will be hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy again this season. The two-time Dancing with the Stars winner and professional dancer Karen Byrne will join the judging panel in 2025 alongside longstanding judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian.
The series returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ player on Sunday January 5 at 6.30pm.
News in 90 seconds – 15 December 2024