Dance off! Covid cancels Dancing With The Stars
COVID-19 has prompted RTÉ to cancel the upcoming series of Dancing With The Stars.
The broadcaster said the risks were too high to proceed with the show, which was scheduled to begin filming in January of 2021.
But it vowed to bring the high-profile show – which sees celebrities take to the dancefloor with professional dance partners – back in 2022.
John McHugh, RTÉ’s head of entertainment, said: ‘We are extremely disappointed not to be in a position to produce series five of Dancing With The Stars in 2021.
‘After much discussion, we feel the risks are too high with a production of this scale to proceed with the series in 2021 and we hope to revisit the show in 2022’
He continued: ‘We understand that the many fans of the series will be disappointed with this decision. However, given the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19 and our duty of care, we believe this decision is the right one.’
Mr McHugh said RTÉ would continue to work with executive producer Larry Bass and his production company ShinAwiL on other projects, and will be conducting ongoing discussions with them over the future of Dancing With The Stars, which has been running since 2016.
RTÉ will announce a full autumn schedule of programming and content across our television, radio and online services in the coming weeks.
RSVP magazine reported earlier this month that the Dancing With The Stars cast of 2020 had reunited for a surprise birthday bash for professional dancer John Nolan. Nationwide presenter Mary Kennedy was paired with the pro for this year’s series, and decided to throw him a party for his 30th.
She hosted the celebration in her garden, and the guests included Ireland AM’s Glenda Gilson, Fair City’s Ryan Andrews, model Gráinne Gallanagh, TV star Brian Dowling and dancing pro Laura Nolan.
The singing priest Fr Ray Kelly, who became a media sensation after his appearance on the show, did not appear to be among the visitors.
It was the first time many of the cast had seen each other since the show, after it was forced to end abruptly back in March as the final was brought forward a week over Covid-19 fears.
The final programmes had taken place without an audience, as the pandemic grew in Ireland.
And while Gerry Ryan’s daughter,
Lottie Ryan, and her pro partner Pasquale La Rocca were announced the winners at the closed event, 2fm DJ Lottie revealed she is yet to celebrate or even take home the Glitterball trophy. But she said she plans to continue throwing shapes as soon as the dancefloors reopen.
In June, host Jennifer Zamparelli had said she believed the show would be back in 2021, albeit without an audience. She added: ‘I’d love Jedward to do it, one or either of them, or Marty Whelan.’
Meanwhile, the BBC has said that its Strictly Come Dancing series will be returning to the screen this year, with an all-new format that adheres to Covid-19 guidelines. Reports suggest celebrities and their partners will have to isolate together, while the series will be shorter than usual.
‘I’d love Jedward to take part’