Eurovision Star Niamh Kavanagh Joins Dancing With The Stars Lineup

Former Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh has been announced as the first contestant for the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars on RTÉ. The popular show is set to return on January 4, 2024, and Kavanagh’s participation marks a significant moment for the Dublin native, who is well-known for her victory at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993 with the ballad “In Your Eyes.”

Excitement and Nerves for Kavanagh

A total of twelve celebrities will be unveiled as contestants in the coming days, each paired with a professional dancer. The participants will tackle various dance routines each week, showcasing their skills and growth. Kavanagh expressed her enthusiasm for joining the cast but admitted her lack of formal dance training. “I have very little experience in formal choreography,” she stated, reflecting on her background primarily as a singer in school performances.

Despite her limited dancing experience, Kavanagh is eager to embrace the challenge. “The glitz and glam side of things is probably the most difficult part for me,” she noted, sharing that her experience with such elaborate presentations comes mainly from local pantomime shows. She confessed, “I haven’t even had my ears pierced,” emphasizing her nervousness about stepping into the public eye in this new role.

Kavanagh acknowledged the unique pressures of participating in a televised competition, stating, “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.” She added, “I do love a dance, and I do obviously move on stage but I’m very economical these days.”

Show Details and Hosting Changes

Dancing With The Stars originated in the UK and has been a staple on RTÉ since 2017. The show will be hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox, with Fox stepping in for Doireann Garrihy during her leave of absence. The anticipation builds as viewers look forward to seeing how Kavanagh and the other contestants will adapt to the vibrant world of dance.

As the show prepares for its return, Kavanagh’s participation highlights the blend of music and performance that has characterized her career. With a mix of excitement and nerves, she is ready to take on this new adventure, promising to bring her unique spirit to the dance floor.

The excitement surrounding the new season of Dancing With The Stars is palpable, and Kavanagh’s involvement is sure to draw viewers eager to watch her journey unfold. As more contestants are announced, the stage is set for another thrilling season of dance and entertainment on RTÉ.