The contestants

The glitziest show on TV is back, but who are the brave souls risking their ankles and dignity on the dancefloor?

Clelia Murphy

Actor Best known for: playing the character Niamh Cassidy on Fair City for no less than 22 years, leaving in 2017. Niamh is still on the run with her husband Paul’s life savings, leaving Clelia free to throw herself into learning those dance routines.

Clelia says:“I can’t believe I’m doing Dancing with the Stars. I’m still in a bit of shock that I said yes! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before and that’s exactly why it makes it so beautifully terrifying and thrilling all at the same time. I’m sorry now that I didn’t stick with dance classes as a child. I’m normally dressed from head to toe in black and now I’m nding myself in a glorious rainbow sea of glitter and sequins and Spanx! I’m so far out of my comfort zone but I kind of love it.”

Johnny Ward

Actor Best known for: playing the villainous Paulie on Love/ Hate and kidnapper Ciaran on Fair City. He recently showed o his dancing skills in the hit stage show Copper Face Jacks: The Musical. There’s no doubt that this thespian can be a bit of a chameleon when he needs to be.

Johnny says: “For once I get to be a gentleman rather than a psychotic gangster, kidnapper or clamper! I’m really looking forward to joining the show and learning a new skill. The nerves are there but I’m up for the challenge and loving every minute of the experience.”

Fred Cooke

Comedian Best known for: a regular xture on the comedy circuit, Fred has played at the Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, the Vodafone Comedy Carnival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. If you didn’t catch him at any of these you might recognise him as ‘the guy from the Spar ad’.

Fred says:“I’m so happy to be taking part in Dancing with the Stars this year. When it comes to dancing, I’m full of passion but I don’t have the technique. I’ll do my best to try and get both right on this incredible show.”

Cliona Hagan

Country music singer Best known for: being named by Irish country music legend Philomena Begley in 2015. Since then, Cliona has supported stars like Nathan Carter and Mike Denver on tour and in March this year, she showed that even Storm Emma couldn’t keep her from her mic, when she braved the snow to perform on The Late Late Show. Cliona says:“I’m very excited, nervous, and a little apprehensive, but overall I’m feeling great and can’t wait to see how far I can push myself.”

Peter Stringer

Former Munster & Ireland scrum half Best known for: playing with Munster for 15 years, he announced his retirement from rugby in 2018. His try helped to secure Munster their rst European Cup in 2006 at the Heineken Cup Final. The other DWTS contestants better look out for his famous one-handed ankle taps.

Pater says: “I’ve never danced on a dance oor before so going from that to dancing in front of a live audience will be a whole new experience for me. I’m nervous but up for the challenge!”

Darren Kennedy

TV broadcaster & fashionista Best known for: hosting celebrity entertainment series #Trending on RTÉ 2 and ITV 1’s This Morning with Holly Willoughby and Philip Scho eld. He also co-presented The Unemployables with Jennifer Zamparelli.

Darren says: “I’m excited, petri ed and terri ed– I don’t know what I’ve got myself into. It’s completely out of my comfort zone but ultimately, I’m looking forward to it. I’ve zero dance experience. If I could write a letter to my younger self I would say ‘Stick with Billie Barry, someday you’re going to be thankful’

Mairéad Ronan

Broadcaster & entrepreneur Best known for: presenting Ireland’s Fittest Family until she left last year to have her third child. Mairéad says: “I’m very excited but I have a big ball of nerves in my stomach! I’ve never done anything glamorous on TV; I’m always out in elds and mucky places with wellies and runners, so now to be in heels and sparkly dresses is both brilliant and brutal. The only dancing I do is around the kitchen with my baby, so this is going to be a whole new experience for me!”

Denis Bastick

Former Dublin footballer Best known for: being a ve-time-All-Ireland winner. Even though he retired in 2017, Denis will have the tness, and he’s hoping that he can bring his slick moves on the pitch to the dance oor. Denis says: “I really feel that this will be a great experience for me. It is completely di erent than anything I have ever done before. Since retiring from Dublin football I have wanted to try new things, I never imagined that this would be one of those things though! Football has given me a huge sense of accomplishment and DWTS is now presenting me with a massive challenge and the opportunity to accomplish something that is in such contrast to what I’m used to.”

Eilish O’Carroll

Actor & comedian Best known for: playing the hilarious next-door neighbour Winnie McGoogan on the hugely popular Mrs Brown’s Boys since it debuted in 2011. She is the sister of the show’s creator and star Brendan O Carroll. Eilish says: “I’m so excited to be doing Dancing with the Stars. It’s like a dream come true. I feel like a kid and all my Christmasses have come at once. I can’t wait to get started!”

Holly Carpenter

Model & former Miss Ireland Best known for: representing Ireland in the Miss World pageant in 2011. She competed in Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model in 2013 nishing in seventh place. She writes a weekly lifestyle column for the Herald newspaper, something of a family tradition, as her grandmother was social diarist Terry Keane. Holly says: “I’m so excited to do the show. I’ve watched the last two series religiously with my Mom. When I met the pro-dancers I was starstruck, so I’m truly delighted to be part of it. This is going to be physically and mentally challenging and

I’m slightly terri ed, but overall I’m really looking forward to it.”

Demi Isaac Oviawe

Actress Best known for: playing Linda Walsh, the tenacious girlfriend of Conor MacSweeney in The Young O enders. At just 18, Demi is also doing her Leaving Certi cate this year, so between study and dance rehearsals she will be a very busy young woman. Demi says:“I’m so excited to be involved in this year’s show. I can’t wait to get started and learn a new skill. I’m hoping that I can be a role model for young black women in Ireland and maybe some might even follow in my dance steps!”