Glenda Gilson is the first star revealed to join RTÉ One’s hit show Dancing with the Stars

Presenter Glenda Gilson has been announced as the first star to don her sequins and hit the dance floor when RTÉ One’s hit television series Dancing with the Stars returns to our screens for another glittertastic series this January.

The well known television presenter will step outside her comfort zone when she swaps the television studio for the dance studio in a bid to become the new champion of Dancing with the Stars.

Speaking about taking part in Dancing with the Stars Glenda said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be part of Dancing with the Stars.  I’ve always been a big fan of the show but now that I’m here and I’m in costume, I’m ready to rock.  I’m kind of a little bit scared to be honest with you; I’m not a dancer, so this is totally out of my comfort zone, I’ve never danced before.  But I’ve loved watching the show on TV so I’m really thrilled to be part of it.  I can’t wait to learn how to dance, so hopefully I do that during the Christmas period and I won’t make a show of myself when I get on the live shows in January”.

The next celebrity dancers to join Glenda will be announced on The Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio 1 on Monday 2 December.  

Jennifer Zamparelli and Nicky Byrne will reunite this January to present the new series of Dancing with the Stars. Airing on RTÉ One for 12 weeks from Sunday 5 January at 6.30pm, a total of 11 celebrities will partner with their professional dancers as they take on a brand new challenge and change their daily routines for dance routines. Each will be hoping to claim the much-coveted glitter ball trophy at the end of the series.

The couples will tackle a different dance genre each week from the Paso Doble to the Viennese waltz and will have just seven days to perfect their routine before performing it live to the nation. 

Also returning this year is the fabulous panel of judges: Brian Redmond, Loraine Barry and Julian Benson. They will cast their expert eyes over the dancers each week and judge them on their performances. Once again the celebrities and their dancers will be scored by both the judges and the viewing public at home.

There will be even more exclusive Dancing with the Stars content to enjoy as RTÉ’s social channels cover all the backstage antics with the effervescent James Patrice at the helm.For all the latest news and backstage gossip follow RTÉ One at www.facebook.com/rteone , www.instagram.com/rteone 

www.twitter.com/rteone #DWTSIrl 

In a new addition this year, James Patrice will bring you extra behind-the-scenes news in a brand new weekly podcast.  Including chats with stars, their professional partners and the judges, it will be available every Monday to keep the Dancing with the Stars buzz going after the main show has aired.

And finally Dancing with the Stars will be available to watch live on RTÉ Player with the opportunity to catch up on each individual dance.

Dancing with the Stars is produced by ShinAwiL for RT