RTE’s Dancing with the Stars Unveils Major Cast Changes for 2026

BREAKING: RTE’s hit show Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) has just announced exciting changes for its upcoming ninth season, set to kick off in January 2026. Three brand new dancers will join the lineup, while three veteran pros exit, shaking up the competition.

With rehearsals already underway, audiences can expect to see new faces: Arianna Favaro, Leonardo Lini, and James Cutler will be waltzing into the spotlight. This change marks a significant transition as Salome Chachua, Denys Samson, and Simone Arena bid farewell to the show.

Arianna Favaro, an Italian dancer from Bologna, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m really thrilled to be joining Dancing with the Stars. It’s something new and special for me; an amazing opportunity and challenge that I can’t wait to experience.” Meanwhile, Leonardo Lini, also from Italy, shared his excitement, saying, “I can’t wait to give it my all and share my passion with everyone.”

James Cutler, a British ballroom and Latin dancer, is equally eager, having previously participated in the Belgian version of DWTS. He remarked, “Joining the cast is like joining a great big wacky, glamorous family! I can’t wait to meet my partner and get down to business!”

Returning to the show after a successful season is pro dancer Laura Nolan, alongside a strong cast including Ervinas Merfeldas, Robert Rowiński, and Kylee Vincent, who recently welcomed her first child.

As the show prepares for the new season, the departing pros shared heartfelt messages. Salome Chachua reflected, “My time on the show has been one of the greatest joys of my career. I will truly miss it all.” Denys Samson called his departure “bittersweet,” expressing gratitude to fans and the team. Simone Arena thanked the production for “the beautiful memories.”

The competition will feature 12 celebrities paired with professional dancers, each mastering a different dance genre weekly. They will be judged by an expert panel and the viewing public, with the ultimate goal of capturing the coveted glitter ball trophy.

Fans eagerly anticipate the announcement of this season’s celebrity participants and pro pairings in the coming weeks. RTE’s Dancing with the Stars, produced by ShinAwiL, promises glitz and glamour every Sunday evening, making it a must-watch event this winter.

Stay tuned for more updates as the new season approaches!