Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

The next five Dancing with the Stars celebrities are revealed

16/12/2024

Elaine Crowley, Kevin Dundon, Kayleigh Trappe, Rhys McClenaghan and Yasmin Seky announced on tonight's Late Late Show

The next five celebrity dancers taking part in the new season of Dancing with the Stars have been revealed! Elaine Crowley, Kevin Dundon, Kayleigh Trappe, Rhys McClenaghan and Yasmin Seky shimmied onto tonight's Late Late Show.

Each of the celebrities spoke to Patrick Kielty about competing for the coveted glitterball trophy when the new series returns to RT One and RT Player next month. The five celebrities were joined by Karen Byrne, who has been announced in recent days as the newest judge to join the Dancing with the Stars panel. Karen, who is a two-time winner across seven seasons, shared her insights on what it takes to bring home the glitterball not once, but twice.

Meet the dancers:

ELAINE CROWLEY

Cork's Elaine Crowley is ready to cha-cha-cha onto our screens!

Elaine is one of the country's most popular television presenters. She has been central to Virgin Media's daytime schedule for over twenty years and currently co-hosts Ireland AM alongside Martin King. Beginning her career in the newsroom, Elaine's outgoing personality and likeability saw her eventually make the move to entertainment, where she hosted shows such as Midday and her self-titled talk show, Elaine.

Praised for being incredibly honest about the personal struggles she has faced throughout her career, Elaine has spoken frankly about being diagnosed with dysphoria and overcoming dark periods in her life.

Elaine commented: I've never done anything remotely like this before, never mind in front of so many people. But my eldest sister said to me, you haven't put yourself out of your comfort zone for decades. You can interview the politicians. You can do all the stuff on Ireland AM, but challenge yourself for once. So, class of 2025 bring it on. What's the worst that can happen?

KEVIN DUNDON

Chef Kevin Dundon prepares to bring his fiery kitchen skills to the dancefloor!

Celebrity chef, presenter and author Kevin is a household name in Ireland's culinary circles. Best known for presenting television series such as Guerrilla Gourmet and Heat, Kevin is also an author and has published several cookbooks. Kevin has cooked for Irish and US presidents and the late Queen Elizabeth II. He has appeared on various shows on Irish, British, Canadian and American television. Kevin recently launched his own podcast, Under The Grill, alongside journalist Caoimhe Young.

Kevin commented: I'm excited. The fact that I'm actually going to learn to dance means that my wife will hopefully now enjoy dancing with me at weddings, and I won't make a complete fool of myself! I'm a little bit nervous, as it's quite difficult to learn the moves. It's tricky. As a chef, I'm coordinated, but not with my feet. My first dance is an American Smooth, so I'm going to treat it like a risotto, nice and slow with a little bit of excitement at the end.

KAYLEIGH TRAPPE

TikTok sensation Kayleigh Trappe is all set to twist and shout on the dancefloor!

Kayleigh is a social media star from Co. Monaghan. A former primary school teacher, she has amassed a huge following of over 400,000 followers and millions of likes on TikTok and Instagram for her comedy sketch videos, in which she lip syncs along perfectly to pop culture clips and iconic Irish celebrity moments.

Some of her most famous sketches have attracted attention from those she has imitated, including Nadine Coyle, the cast of Derry Girls, Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy among others.

Kayleigh said: I'm so excited. It feels so surreal, especially because I'm so used to just being behind the camera in the comfort of my own home, and now I'm going full glitz and glam. It's a big change but I can't wait to get the glitter ball rolling! This type of glam has never been a part of my life, but I have so much support from my family and friends at home in Monaghan. I can't wait to be in the midst of it all now.

RHYS MCCLENAGHAN

Can pommel horse champion Rhys McClenaghan bag another glittering grand slam this year?

Rhys is a gymnast and gold medal Olympian from Co. Down. Widely recognised as one of the best pommel horse specialists of his generation, Rhys made history when he became the first ever gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal in this sport for Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He has celebrated many successes prior to this; he was the first Irish gymnast to compete in a European final and win a European medal, and also to win a world bronze medal in 2019. He then took home a gold medal on the pommel horse at the 2019 European Championships and another gold at the 2023 World Championships. Rhys is also a Commonwealth Games champion on the pommel horse. He was named RT 's Sportsperson of the Year in 2023.

Rhys commented: I'm thrilled to take on this new challenge and look forward to bringing some gymnastics skills to the dance floor. I am approaching my training for the 2025 competition year differently. I took some time to travel, and as I begin my first training block for the LA Games, I will also have some fun figuring out how to dance! Hopefully, with the guidance of my pro dance partner, I can bring some of my pommel horse flair to the dance floor, too!

YASMIN SEKY

Kin actress Yasmin Seky prepares to dazzle on the dancefloor!

Yasmin Seky is an actress from Dublin. Best known for her breakout role in the RT drama series Kin, in which she played the role of Nikita. Yasmin's character was embroiled in the drama of the Kinsella family when she became the love interest of lead character, Viking. In 2022, Yasmin was awarded the RTS Ireland Award for Best Newcomer for her role in Kin. She is currently filming a brand-new Channel 5 crime drama, The Puzzle Lady
LINK: https://about.rte.ie/2024/12/16/the-next-five-dancing-with-the-stars-c...
See more stories from rte

More from RTE

20/12/2024

RT News Announces Aengus Cox as new Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Correspondent

RT News is pleased to announce the appointment of Aengus Cox as its new Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Correspondent. Currently a multimedia journalist with ...

20/12/2024

RT is Supporting 13 Arts and Cultural Events all over Ireland this January

Watch our promo https://about.rte.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/RTE-STA-January-2025.mp4...

19/12/2024

Heartwarming documentary What Daire Did Next to air on RT over the Christmas season

Liverpool fan Daire Gorman takes us into his extraordinary world during a whirlw...

19/12/2024

Kabin Crew release brand new single Christmas Cipher

Kabin Crew's Christmas Special on RT One Christmas Eve | RT One at 5:15PM Watch Now: NEW Kabin Crew | Christmas Cipher Music Video | Kabin Crew&...

18/12/2024

Siobhn McSweeney announced as host of RT's The Traitors Ireland

RT has today announced the actor and presenter, Derry Girls star Siobh n McSweeney as the host of The Traitors Ireland, coming to RT One and RT Player in 202...

17/12/2024

RT RETURNS TO THE RDS FOR THE 2025 BT YOUNG SCIENTIST & TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION

Live broadcasts of popular shows on RT 2FM and RT Raidi na Gaeltachta Tracy Clifford, Laura Fox, M ire Treasa N Dhubhghaill and Bl thnaid Treacy Chubby ...

16/12/2024

The Glitterball awaits: Dancing with the Stars unveils dance pairings for 2025!

The Glitterball awaits: Dancing with the Stars unveils dance pairings for 2025! RT has today revealed the celebrity and dancer pairings of the eleven couples ...

16/12/2024

A Celebration of Young Creative Talent: RT's This is Art!' 2024

4 Exceptional Young Artists & Art Collective Awarded Top Prizes Across Ireland The response to RT 's This is Art!' competition has been nothing short ...

16/12/2024

The RT Sport Awards 2024 Winners Revealed

Paul O'Donovan wins Sportsperson of the Year Katie George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly win Team of the Year Willie Mullins wins Manager of the Year R is n N ...

16/12/2024

The next five Dancing with the Stars celebrities are revealed

Elaine Crowley, Kevin Dundon, Kayleigh Trappe, Rhys McClenaghan and Yasmin Seky announced on tonight's Late Late Show The next five celebrity dancers takin...

16/12/2024

Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly revealed as the final celebrity contestant for Dancing with the Stars 2025

Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly revealed as the final celebrity contestant for Dan...

13/12/2024

RT's Toy Show Appeal Raises 5 Million

Viewers thanked for their very generous donations from all across Ireland Now in its fifth year, the people of Ireland and abroad have given with such generosi...

13/12/2024

Irish Olympian Jack Woolley is the fourth celebrity to join Dancing with the Stars

Taekwondo titan Jack is ready to try his hand at the tango! Irish Olympian Jack...

13/12/2024

Singer Mickey Joe Harte revealed as the fifth celebrity contestant for Dancing with the Stars 2025

He's got the world tonight , but can he take the Glitterball? Singer songw...

13/12/2024

The Late Late Show Christmas Special

Rupert Everett, Una Healy and Nathan Carter among the guests as well as Toy Show's Brian g And Exclusive Reveal of Five Dancing With The Stars Contestants...

11/12/2024

Comedian Gearid Farrelly revealed as the third celebrity contestant for Dancing with the Stars 2025

Gear id will take to the floor with a same-sex male dance partner in new season ...

10/12/2024

The Late Late Toy Show 2024 Rocked for those at Home and Abroad

Over 1.6 million people watched across the weekend Record breaking RT Player Toy Show Streams in Ireland and Abroad with 622,000 streams from 139 countries O...

10/12/2024

The RT Sport Manager of the Year Nominees 2024 Revealed

This Sunday night (15 December, 9.30pm), live on RT One and RT Player, Joanne Cantwell, Darragh Maloney and Jacqui Hurley will present the RT Sport Awards 20...

10/12/2024

Actor and Mrs. Brown's Boys star Danny O'Carroll is the second celebrity to join Dancing with the Stars 2025

Actor and producer Danny O'Carroll, best known for portraying Buster Brady o...

09/12/2024

The RT Sport Sportsperson of the Year Nominees 2024 Revealed

Next Sunday night (15 December, 9.30pm) live on RT One and RT Player, Joanne Cantwell, Darragh Maloney and Jacqui Hurley will present the RT Sport Awards 202...

09/12/2024

The RT Sport Team of the Year Nominees 2024 Revealed

Joanne Cantwell, Darragh Maloney and Jacqui Hurley will present the RT Sport Awards 2024 live from Studio 4 in RT at 9:30pm next Sunday 15 December. The Award...

09/12/2024

Fram New current affairs programme in Irish on RT One

T cl r nua c rsa reatha i nGaeilge ag tosn ar RT One F ram For m New current affairs programme in Irish on RT One Begins this Sunday, 8 December F r...

09/12/2024

Dancing with the Stars welcomes a new judge for 2025

Dancing with the Stars welcomes a new judge for 2025 Two-time Dancing with the Stars winner Karen Byrne to join the Dancing with the Stars judging panel in Jan...

09/12/2024

Beauty queen Aishah Akorede revealed as the first celebrity contestant for Dancing with the Stars 2025

Aishah Akorede revealed as the first celebrity contestant for Dancing with the S...

09/12/2024

RT Investigates reveals sale of unapproved US weight loss trial medication exposed in Ireland to be broadcast tonight

RT Investigates reveals sale of unapproved US weight loss trial medication expo...

06/12/2024

Home Alone is the theme of this year's Late Late Toy Show!

32 children will represent their county in the Toy Show Parade Tune in tonight at 9:35PM on RT One and worldwide on RT Player #LateLateToyShow It's Toy...

05/12/2024

The RT Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year 2024 Nominees Revealed

Joanne Cantwell, Darragh Maloney and Jacqui Hurley will present the RT Sport Awards 2024 live from Studio 4 in RT at 9:30pm on Sunday 15 December. The Awards ...

05/12/2024

RT celebrates sport with exciting line up this Christmas season

RT celebrates sport with exciting line up this Christmas season Celebrate 2024's top Irish sporting stars with RT Sport Awards live from RT Studios o...

05/12/2024

Tonight on RT Prime Time: Interview with the family of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox

This Thursday on RT One and RT Player, Prime Time will broadcast an interview ...

04/12/2024

Huge audiences engage with RT's General Election 2024 results coverage

2.2 million* TV viewers tune in across the weekend Over 31 million online page impressions on RT .ie and RT News app over the count weekend 14.35 million...

04/12/2024

RT unveils a festive feast of Christmas movies

10 Irish television network premieres on RT this Christmas Over 150 movies available to stream on RT Player In the third day of a week of Christmas programm...

03/12/2024

RT ANNOUNCES NEW DRAMA SERIES OF MARIAN KEYES' BELOVED WALSH FAMILY NOVELS TO AIR IN AUTUMN 2025

The Walsh Sisters in association with the BBC Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan ...

03/12/2024

RT Investigates goes undercover examining how prescription-only weight loss medication is moving through the Irish black market

Brand New Documentary this Monday reveals widespread sale in Ireland of illegal ...

03/12/2024

RT celebrates Irish culture through festive food and musical specials this Christmas

RT celebrates Irish culture through festive food and musical specials this Chri...

02/12/2024

2FM announces line-up of Rising Artists for 2025

RT 2FM has today announced the eagerly anticipated list of 2FM Rising Artists for 2025. Chosen each year by a panel of experts, the class of 2025 are Amble, An...

02/12/2024

Ring in the festive cheer with a great line-up of comedy shows this merry season on RT

Brand new The Young Offenders dropping on RT Player Joe Duffy celebrates 50 ye...

02/12/2024

RT is Supporting 16 Arts and Cultural Events all over Ireland this December

Watch our promo: RT Supporting the Arts | What's on YouTube This December, RT is delighted to support Library Ireland Week, with events taking place ac...

30/11/2024

Donations open for the RT Toy Show Appeal 2024

Helping to change children's lives for good: Donations open for the RT Toy Show Appeal 2024 For the last four years, the people of Ireland have donated i...

29/11/2024

RT SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2024 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

RT SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2024 WINNERS ANNOUNCED FIRST PRIZE ( 5,000) AWARDED to MATTIE BRENNAN for DEAD BAIT' SECOND PRIZE ( 4,000) to STEPHEN O'R...

28/11/2024

RT announces unrivalled General Election 2024 Results coverage across all platforms

Joint Exit Poll results revealed live on Friday night 43 individual real-time...

28/11/2024

Tommy Tiernan, Tommy Bowe and Ollie and Roseanna Ruane on this Friday's Late Late Show

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty! Following his incredibly successful North Am...

27/11/2024

RT Radio 1 Folk Awards Tickets on Sale

Awards on Wednesday 26th February 2025 in Vicar Street, Dublin #rtefolkawards | Tickets via Ticketmaster (link below) Tickets for the 7th RT Radio 1 Folk Awa...

25/11/2024

RT Prime Time to host final General Election 2024 Leaders' Debate

Debate will be available with live Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpretation on RT News Channel and RT Player RT 's Prime Time is set to host the final Ge...

22/11/2024

Let's Make Toy Show Day Official

Let's Make Toy Show Day Official The Late Late Toy Show | Friday December 6th | 9:35PM Watch Below The Late Late Toy Show is fast approaching and kids al...

22/11/2024

RT General Election 2024: Critical Election Period

The broadcasting regulator, Coimisi n na Me n has removed the traditional broadcast Moratorium for television and radio. In the past, this applied from 14:00 ...

21/11/2024

Sharon Horgan, Emily Maitlis and Piers Morgan among guests on Friday's Late Late Show

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty! Bad Sister Sharon Horgan will sit down with ...

21/11/2024

Yvonne Murray finalist in UN Correspondents Association Awards

Congratulations to our newsroom colleague Yvonne Murray who was recently announced as an award finalist by the United Nations Correspondents Association. The UN...

19/11/2024

Blindboy: The Land of Slaves and Scholars to air Thursday November 21st on RT One and RT Player

Blindboy Boatclub interrogates the legacy of early Irish Christianity in Blindbo...

18/11/2024

SPREADING THE NEWS: RT partners with Abbey Theatre to mark 120 years with special event

SPREADING THE NEWS RT partners with Abbey Theatre to mark 120 years with speci...

18/11/2024

Ten Political Parties take part in RT's largest TV leaders' debate on Upfront with Katie Hannon

As part of RT 's comprehensive coverage of the General Election 2024 campaig...