Your Public Service Media Do Mheáin Seirbhíse Poiblí

Congratulations to all our nominees and winners at the Gradaim RTS Ireland 2025 which were held at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin last night, to honour achievements and excellence in the TV industry in Ireland.

This year’s awards were hosted by Virgin Media Television (Muireann O’Connell and Tommy Bowe) with support from Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, Screen Producers Ireland along with RTÉ, TG4 and Sky Ireland.

RTÉ programmes received a range of awards on the night which were as follows:

Entertainment (sponsored by Piranha Bar)
Kabin Crew’s Christmas Special (84/Ochtó4 Productions for RTÉ)

Factual Series (sponsored by Egg Post Production)
Stardust: Truth (RTÉ)

Factual Single (sponsored by Coimisiún na Meán)
Jackie & Coco (Atom Films for RTÉ)

Current Affairs (sponsored by Nemeton TV)
RTÉ Investigates: Inside the Protests (RTÉ)

Children’s and Animation Programming (sponsored by First Element)
What Daire Did Next (Tyrone Productions for RTÉ)

Sports Documentary (sponsored by NEP)
Girls in Green (RTÉ)

Specialist Factual (sponsored by Screenscene)
Birdsong (True Films for RTÉ)

Audiences’ Choice Award (sponsored by Screen Producers Ireland)
Did You Read About Erskine Fogarty? (Connla’s Well for RTÉ)

You can read about the awards and get the full list of winners on rte.ie here.

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty! 

Ahead of their biggest arena headline tour in the UK and Ireland, the Sugababes chat to Patrick about their return to the spotlight, the enduring success of the band and their connection to Ireland. Mutya, Keisha and Siobhan will take to The Late Late Show’s stage to perform their brand-new single Jungle as well as iconic hit Push the Button.

Irish singer and politician, Frances Black will be in studio alongside her daughter and fellow musician Aoife Scott. They will talk about their shared passion for music, their experiences in the spotlight, and how they will celebrate Mother’s Day. Frances will also discuss her role as Senator and address rumours that she will run for the Áras. The mother-daughter duo will treat viewers to a special performance of When You Say Nothing At All.

Instagram sensation turned television presenter Maggie Molloy and comedian Kevin McGahern join Patrick to chat about helping Irish people move to the sun in the new series of Cheap European Homes. They will discuss what it takes to make a life overseas and why buying in Europe takes a whole new mindset.

Sports presenter Kelly Cates will join Patrick to speak about her role as one of the most prominent voices in sports broadcasting in the UK as she prepares to fill Gary Lineker’s shoes as presenter of the iconic Match of the Day. She’ll also reveal what it was like to grow up as the daughter of Liverpool and Scottish football legend, Kenny Dalglish.

The Late Late Show is proudly sponsored by PTSB.

-ENDS- 

Further Information:  

Caoilinn Putti, Communications Lead | caoilinn.putti@rte.ie
Maureen Catterson, Communications Manager | maureen.catterson@rte.ie

Starring real-life best friends Sarah Goldberg and Susan Stanley

Today, RTÉ, IFC and AMC+ announced the renewal of dark comedy SisterS, created by, written and starring real-life best friends Emmy® nominee Sarah Goldberg (Barry) and Susan Stanley.

Donal Logue and Sophie Thompson are confirmed to reprise their roles as Jimmy and Sheryl, respectively, in the six-episode, thirty-minute series. Other stars include Sonja Smits, Barbara Brennan, Jim Annan, Dylan Taylor, Vanessa Matsui, Peter Keleghan and Linda Kash.

Currently filming in Canada, SisterS is slated to premiere in 2026 exclusively on IFC and AMC+ in the US. In Ireland the series will air on RTÉ. In Canada, the series is a Crave Original and streams on Crave. Fremantle is handling global sales.

Season two picks up in Dublin, eighteen months after Sare (Sarah Goldberg) had abandoned her sister Suze (Susan Stanley), who has just discovered she can’t have the biological child she has just figured out she wants.

Meanwhile in Canada, Sare realizes she is floating in the dreamy haze of denial about who she is but thinks she has managed to board the ‘perfect life’ train, just in the nick of time. When an invite to Sare’s wedding lands on Suze’s doorstep, Suze travels to Canada in the hope of reconnecting with her sister. Then, the sisterly drama ensues.

Justin Healy, Commissioning Editor Comedy, RTÉ said, “We are delighted to have recommissioned a second series of SisterS in what promises to be an exciting year for RTÉ drama. Series one was popular with our audiences, and we are proud to once again be supporting hugely talented Irish creatives and our partners in this international production. We now get to build on the first series with the writing and comedy really punching through. RTÉ prides itself on putting great local drama on an international stage and given the overall quality of this production along with a stellar cast, the second season of SisterS promises to do just that!” 

Shannon Cooper, VP, Programming, AMC Networks said, “The complex yet comedic story of Sare and Suze continues. “We are delighted to partner, once again, with Sarah Goldberg and Susan Stanley on SisterS. As real-life best friends, the dynamic chemistry the ladies bring to the screen is raw, emotional and relatable. Season 2 is sure to be a relationship rollercoaster and we cannot wait to join the ride.” 

Richard Cook and Angela Squire, Peer Pressure said, “We are thrilled that our first Comedy Drama has been renewed for a second season. While we have the familiar faces from season one, it feels like we’re starting afresh, as the story shifts to Canada, bringing with it a whole new world and set of characters. Making our first show in Canada has been an exciting journey and we are grateful to continue our partnership with Christina Jennings and her fantastic team at Shaftesbury.” 

Christina Jennings, President and Chairman, Shaftesbury said, “It has been such fun to repatriate Sarah Goldberg and welcome our Irish production family to Canada for season two. Season one managed to deliver laugh-out-loud comedy while maintaining a unique sense of authenticity. I really look forward to seeing this continue, but with a Canadian winter as the backdrop.” 

SisterS is written by Susan Stanley, Karen Kicak, Nessa Wrafter and Paul Howard and directed by Yael Staav. Executive producers are Angela Squire, Richard Cook, Sarah Goldberg, Susan Stanley, Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Declan Lowney, Kira Carstensen, Melanie Donkers, Ruth Coady, Justin Healy, and Karen Kicak.

Story Producer is Paul Howard. Producers are Alex House and Paige Haight. SisterS, an IFC and AMC+ Original Series, is a Canada/Ireland Co-Production from Peer Pressure (Ireland) and Shaftesbury (Canada) in association with Mermade and Crave.

-ENDS- 

Date: Thursday March 27 2025

Photography credit: Download Start Of Production Photo
Photo Credit: Anthony Fascione  (l-r Susan Stanley, Sarah Goldberg)

RTÉ Communications: Rayna Connery

Press Contacts for IFC/AMC+:

Joy Phillips  joy.phillips@amcnetworks.com

Marisol Smith  marisol.smith@amcnetworks.com 

Notes to Editor: 

About IFC  

IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Acclaimed series Documentary Now!, Brockmire, Sherman’s Showcase, Baroness von Sketch Show, and Year of the Rabbit air alongside fan-favorite movies and comedic cult TV shows. IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and available across multiple platforms. IFC is Always On, Slightly Off.

About AMC+  

AMC+ is the company’s premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV and full access to targeted streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as A Discovery of Witches, Creepshow, and Boyhood. The service features a continually refreshed library of commercial-free content, with iconic series from the AMC Networks portfolio including Mad Men, Halt & Catch Fire, Hell on Wheels, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Rectify, Portlandia, Orphan Black and series from The Walking Dead Universe, among many others. The service also offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, Dark Winds, and the first two series in a new Anne Rice universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. With new movies released every Friday, AMC+ is the newest destination for exclusive film premieres direct from theaters all year long. AMC+ is available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain and is available in the U.S. through AMCPlus.com, the AMC+ app, and a number of digital and cable partners.

About Peer Pressure 

Peer Pressure are Originating Producers of Comedy Drama SISTERS, which they developed with co-creators and leads EMMY nominated Sarah Golberg (BARRY) and Susan Stanley and EMMY Award Winning Declan Lowney, who also directed.  Peer Pressure also co-produced hit thriller, THE INHERITANCE, starring Robert James-Collier, Gaynor Faye, Jemima Rooper, Samantha Bond, Larry Lamb, Kevin Whately, Pauline McLynn and Rory Fleck Byrne for Paramount.  THE INHERITANCE is also on Netflix and BritBox.  SISTERS Season 2 is currently in production in Canada for RTE, Crave and IFC: an Irish/Canadian Co-Production with Shaftesbury.  Peer Pressure are about to go into Prep on a 6×1 hour Drama to be filmed in Ireland to be announced soon.

About Shaftesbury 

Shaftesbury, an award-winning creator and producer of original content, was established in 1987 by Christina Jennings, Chairman and President. Shaftesbury’s current primetime slate includes 18 seasons of the international hit series Murdoch Mysteries for CBC Television, Acorn TV, Ovation TV and Alibi Channel, and seven seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv, UPtv and Alibi Channel. Both series are available in over 120 countries worldwide.  Other productions include: six seasons of the horror anthology series Slasher on Shudder and Hollywood Suite, with Emmy® Award-winner Eric McCormack starring in the fifth season; three seasons of the Departure for Global starring Emmy® Award-winner Archie Panjabi and the late Academy® Award-winner Christopher Plummer; and SisterS, an Irish-Canadian co-production starring Sarah Goldberg (Barry) and Susan Stanley, for Crave, RTÉ and IFC. Most recently, production wrapped on the one-hour crime drama Underbelly (starring Stephen Amell, Hamza Haq, Tamara Podemski and Emmy® and Academy Award®-nominee Minnie Driver) for Crave, and Irish Blood – an Irish-Canadian co-production starring Alicia Silverstone for AMC/Acorn TV. For more information visit shaftesbury.ca.

About Fremantle  

Fremantle is a leading global creator, producer and distributor of some of the world’s most successful content across Entertainment, Drama & Film, and Documentaries.

 Amplifying local stories on a global scale, Fremantle produces and delivers premium, multi-genre IP across the 27 territories it operates in. Fremantle is a proudly independent group of content creators, and home to some of the biggest entertainment formats, compelling international dramas, award-winning films and high-quality documentaries.

From Got Talent to Sullivan’s Crossing, Family Feud to Poor Things, Fellow Travelers to Queen, Too Hot To Handle to Big Mood, Maxton Hall to Idols, and Queer to The Zelensky Story, our focus is simple – Fremantle creates and delivers irresistible entertainment.

 Fremantle also represents world-leading digital and branded entertainment, with more than 550 million fans and 360 billion views for its standout content across all platforms. Fremantle’s Global Channels unit consists of more than 20 FAST channels worldwide, including Buzzr, Rig TV, and Baywatch.

Fremantle is part of RTL Group, a global leader across broadcast, streaming, content and digital, itself a division of the international media, services, and education company Bertelsmann.

For more information, please visit www.fremantle.com, follow Fremantle on Twitter @FremantleHQ and Instagram @Fremantle or visit Fremantle’s LinkedIn page.

TELL US YOUR (SHORT) STORIES 

The 2025 RTÉ Short Story Competition is now open for entries 

Recognising and rewarding the best new Irish fiction writing for radio 

Short story deadline Friday 23rd May 

RTÉ is inviting entries to one of Ireland’s longest established and most significant literary prizes, the RTÉ Short Story Competition in honour of writer and broadcaster, Francis MacManus. 

Free to enter, the popular competition recognises and rewards the best new Irish fiction writing for radio and presents the winning author with a cheque for €5,000, while the second and third placed writers will receive cheques for €4,000 and €3,000 respectively. A further seven runners-up will receive €300 each. 

Writers over the age of 18 living in Ireland, and Irish writers around the world have until Friday 23rd May 2025 to submit their short story, in English or Irish, to the competition at www.rte.ie/writing. Story wordcounts must fall between 1800 and 2000 words, excluding the title. 

This year’s entries will be judged by Neil Hegarty, Tristan Rosenstock and Jan Carson, who will be talking to Seán Rocks on Arena, RTÉ Radio 1, on Thursday 27 March about what they’re looking for in this year’s entries. 

Returning judge Neil Hegarty says: “It’s the unexpected thoughts and connections that interest me. We all aim as writers for this time of flow, when we write and write: and then afterwards, we sit back and marvel at the words that have appeared on the screen or the page, at the thoughts and images that we hardly knew – that often we simply didn’t know – were in our heads. And now there they are, our words manifest, as if by magic. 

“And it seems to me that we can put ourselves in the way of this flow of magic by resolving to write about what interests us and then seeing where this resolve will take us. I felt this sparkle of magic last year. It was such a privilege to judge the 2024 competition – and I’m very much looking forward to the 2025 edition. It will be a pleasure to read your work.” 

Talking about the uniqueness of this competition, new judge Tristan Rosenstock adds: “What makes this competition so special is that the short stories that reach the shortlist will be both heard and read. As you’re writing your story, read it aloud. If a sentence feels clunky as you read it be sure it won’t land well on the ear… Watch out for over-populating your story and try to put manners on your characters (even the brats) to ensure they’re not all talking at one another. Even Cillian Murphy would struggle to read lots of dialogue between multiple characters. Your story must engage the ear, and also keep eyes glued to the page. No pressure, then. Ádh mór!” 

Also joining the judging panel this year, Jan Carson explains what she is looking for in a short story: “A deftness of touch regarding language. The understanding that a prose fiction sentence, like a line of poetry, should carry meaning and also sing. Characters who, however unlikable, are nevertheless worthy of the reader’s time. A narrative which feels fresh and uniquely told. Discombobulating twists and revelations, which may shock but never surprise… 

If you’re listening [to a story on the radio], you’re conspiring with the story. Here, the voice is sacrosanct. It must feel as if you’re enjoying an intimate moment, just you and the oracle in your ear.” 

Producer of the competition, Sarah Binchy, says: “This is an excellent opportunity to get your work seen and heard by a wide audience, and by publishers and agents, who pay close attention to our lists. It’s free to enter, the prizes are substantial, and the chance to hear your story performed by a leading actor is a particular bonus offered by this competition. We’re consistently heartened by the energy, verve and range of talent on display in the shortlist year by year, and are very much looking forward to reading your stories.” 

The winning stories will be revealed at a special RTÉ Arena live programme with Seán Rocks in the autumn and all 10 shortlisted stories will be published on rte.ie/culture and broadcast in a season of new writing on RTÉ Radio 1. 

The RTÉ Short Story Competition has been championing new talent for decades; past winners and shortlisted writers include Claire Keegan, Danielle McLaughlin, Anthony Glavin, Chris Binchy, Nuala O’Connor, Liz Nugent, Austin Duffy, Colin Walsh, Stephen Walsh and Sarah Gilmartin. 

All shortlisted stories are produced for radio, voiced by some of Ireland’s most talented actors. In recent years these have included Marty Rea, Aaron Monaghan, Jane Brennan, Cathy Belton, Derbhle Crotty, Eamon Morrissey, Ali White, Ingrid Craigie, Janet Moran, Kathy Rose O’Brien, Peter Coonan, Emmet Kirwan and Andrew Bennett.  

For rules and all information about the competition, see www.rte.ie/writing. You’ll also find winning and shortlisted stories from previous years there. 

Pictured are last year’s winners: Winner, Mattie Brennan (centre) for his short story ‘Dead Bait’, second placed, Stephen O’Reilly (left) for his short story, ‘Divination’ and Emer O’Toole who took third prize for her short story, ‘The Other Órla’.

ENDS 

For information: 

Neil O’Gorman | Corporate Communications Manager, RTÉ | E neil.ogorman@rte.ie  

ABOUT THIS YEAR’S JUDGES 

Neil Hegarty’s novels include The Jewel, and Inch Levels, shortlisted for the Kerry Group Novel of the Year award. Neil’s non-fiction titles include the biography Frost: That Was the Life That Was, and The Story of Ireland, which accompanies the RTÉ-BBC television history of Ireland. His short fiction and essays have appeared in the Dublin Review, Stinging Fly, Tangerine, and elsewhere. He is co-editor of the essay collection Impermanence, and is a regular literary reviewer on the Irish Times. 

Tristan Rosenstock is a broadcaster with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, where he presents the arts series An Cúinne Dána. His debut Irish-language book for young readers Inis Mara was selected for World Book Day 2024, and Inis Mara 2 was recently published by LeabhairCOMHAR. He is co-editor of Inside Innti – A new wave in Irish Poetry (Cork University Press) and is literary editor of the magazine Comhar. He sits on the boards of Irish Writers Centre and Poetry Ireland. 

Jan Carson is a writer based in Belfast. She is the 2025 Seamus Heaney Centre Fellow at Queen’s University and a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Author of three novels and three short story collections, she won the EU Prize for Literature for Ireland for her novel The Fire Starters. Her work has been published in numerous journals and broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 and BBC Radio 3 and 4. Her next novel, Few and Far Between, is forthcoming from Doubleday in 2026. 

RTÉ Sport announces live Free-to-Air GAA Championship fixtures 

Live free-to-air coverage across the Football and Hurling Championships, Camogie Championship, Joe McDonagh Cup and Tailteann Cup, including the All-Ireland Football, Hurling and Camogie Finals. 

Download Fixtures here

The wait is over as the GAA Championships returns on RTÉ free-to-air across video, audio and online from Sunday 6 April. Today (Tuesday 18 March 2025) RTÉ Sport announced details of its live televised GAA Championship coverage for 2025. 

The championship is the next phase in the 12-month GAA calendar that’s showcased on RTÉ, with coverage spanning the National League, inter-county championship, and inter-club matches, ensuring GAA fans stay connected to their club and county teams all year round. This season, GAA supporters will have more ways than ever to follow the action. From tuning in live on TV, catching the latest updates on radio, or streaming games and highlights online, every moment will be accessible anytime, anywhere.

Live TV coverage begins on The Sunday Game Live on Sunday 6 April on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player when Joanne Cantwell will present live coverage of Donegal v Derry in the Ulster Senior Football Championship from Ballybofey (throw-in 2.00pm). That evening on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, The Sunday Game highlights show returns with Jacqui Hurley at the helm.

There will also be live coverage of all four provincial Football finals as well as the Munster and Leinster Hurling Finals, the Joe McDonagh Cup and Tailteann Cup Finals, plus the All-Ireland Semi-Finals in Football, Hurling and Camogie.

Additionally, Irish language television commentary will be available on select games from June 7 starting with the Munster Hurling Final and including the Leinster Hurling Final, All-Ireland Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals in both Football and Hurling along with the All-Ireland Camogie Final and the Tailteann Cup Final.

RTÉ will announce full coverage of the Championship in the coming weeks.

-ENDS- 
Tuesday 18 March 2025

RTÉ Communications: Fergus McCormack

After 11 spectacular shows filled with glitz and glamour, highs and lows and captivating dances along the way, Rhys McClenaghan and his pro partner Laura Nolan have been crowned the winners of Dancing with the Stars 2025.

Commenting on winning series 8 and taking home the coveted Glitterball trophy, Rhys said:  “I don’t have any words!”

The final four couples to reach the final after an outstanding season were Danny O’Carroll and Salome Chachua, Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas, Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov and Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan.

The grand finale of series eight of Dancing with the Stars opened with a dazzling number from the pro-dancers, finalists and judges to Everybody Dance by Cedric Gervais x Franklin feat. Nile Rodgers.

The competition kicked in as the couples took to the floor for their first dance of the evening; the Judges’ Choice, which tasked each couple with performing a routine from a previous week.

First on the floor tonight was Mrs. Brown’s Boys actor, Danny O’Carroll and his partner Salome Chachua. The pair danced their Charleston from week two to Don’t Blame it On Me by Michael Bublé.

Judge Loraine Barry said: “I feel the trust between you and Salome has built up. You have started a brilliant final tonight.”

Judge Arthur Gourounlian said: “You absolutely smashed it, you took it to another level. That was electrifying, exhilarating and simply unforgettable.”

Judge Brian Redmond said: “More fluid, more energetic, more entertainment, great start!”

Judge Karen Byrne said: “You deserve your place in the final. It was slick, you looked like you were enjoying yourself!”

Danny and Salome scored 39 points from the judges. 

Next up, Taekwondo athlete, Jack Woolley and his pro-partner Alex Vladimirov threw it back to week five with their Dedicated Dance to Jack’s friend Kellie Harrington: an American Smooth to Grace by The Wolfe Tones.

Arthur said: “Every week you come here you shine bright. This wasn’t just a great dance, this will go down in DWTS history as the best ever! Normally I would say J’adore, but for the weekend that’s in it I will say: is grá liom!”

Brian said: “Big smiley head on me! I liked this dance the first time around but I absolutely lvoed it tonight.

Karen said: “You really move people with this dance. I’m still not the better of seeing you dance to this song again. I feel this dance sums up your journey, and signifies such an amazing partnership that you and Alex have.

Loraine said: “It was gentle, pure and heartwarming. This dance will always be an iconic performance on Dancing with the Stars.”

Jack and Alex scored 40 points from the judges. 

Social media star Kayleigh Trappe and her partner Ervinas Merfeldas were hoping to recapture the judges’ adoration a second time around with their routine from Love Week, a Salsa to Christina Aguilera’s Let There Be Love.

Brian said: “Tonight, it’s all or nothing and you’ve certainly come out giving it your all. You are certainly fighting and deserving of this place in the final.”

Karen said: “This dance shows how much you’ve grown. I think you should be so proud of yourself, you’ve grown immensely the two of you together.”

Loraine said: “Tonight you’ve come out shining. You’ve gone into those lifts with less fear. This is a good night for you.”

Arthur: “To me you have found your wings and you are flying. You have proved that you belong here in the final. I’m so beyond proud of you.”

Kayleigh and Ervinas scored 38 points from the judges. 

Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan reprised his Movie Week role of Spider-Man, as he and his professional partner Laura Nolan danced the Charleston to the iconic theme tune.

Karen said: “You’re the real life Irish Spiderman! This routine from beginning to end, it was pure and utter perfection.”

Loraine said: “Absolutely exhilarating from start to finish. Is there any chance they can do it again?”

Arthur said: “Your power is mesmerising. From gymnast to dancer, to me you have movement and rhythm in your DNA!”

Brian said: “You played the hero tonight but you’re also an Olympic champion. You have become a real life superhero. Exceptional.”

Rhys and Laura scored 40 points from the judges. 

After the voting lines opened, it was down to business, as each couple performed their Showdance – a freestyle performance that allowed them to combine different dance styles and showcase the creativity and skills they developed throughout their Dancing with the Stars journey.

Danny O’Carroll and Salome Chachua danced to Rock this Party by Bob Sinclair.

Loraine said: “You rocked it, you got the party going. That was truly slick.”

Arthur said: “You have proven time and time again you’re a force to be reckoned with. This is an incredible party I’m delighted to have been a part of.”

Brian said: “The Showdance is generally about summing up your journey on the show, but I think you summed yourself up as a person. It was full of determination, character and pure honest hard work.”

Karen said: “I feel you’ve set the standard now for the Showdances.”

Danny and Salome scored a total of 37 from the judges.

Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov performed to Years & Years’ version of Lady Gaga’s anthem The Edge of Glory.

Arthur said: “I truly have no words left to say. You will be remembered forever on this show.”

Brian said: “You’ve got that skillset, that Taekwondo athlete in you, and you’ve waited until the final to show us that. I clapped all the way through it, I don’t think I’ve ever done that! You have been phenomenal.”

Karen said: “We expected it to be unbelievable. It was brilliant!”

Loraine: “There was so much electricity. Everything means the world to you, you give it your all. I can’t believe you put in so much salsa, tango, cha cha.”

Jack and Alex scored scored 40 points from the judges. 

Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas stormed the dancefloor to the R3hab remix of Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams.

Brian said: “It’s called a Showdance not a show off dance! Excellent”

Karen said: “This routine was put together to showcase how well you’ve come. What a way to finish this journey.”

Loraine said: “You absolutely went for that tonight and everything has improved. Adding in Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Salsa, that’s to be commended.”

Arthur said: “You did it! Stunning!”

Kayleigh and Ervinas scored 38 points from the judges. 

Finally, Rhys McClenaghan and Laura took to the floor for the last time and danced to Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.

Karen said: “How do you actually comment on that? What a way to finish your journey.”

Loraine said: “You combined strength and softness, full fluidity all the way through. It was for me, the outstanding Showdance of tonight.”

Arthur said: “Wow, this really hit me hard. Flawless. It’s been an honour watching you week after week, your passion and undeniable talent.”

Brian said: “Rhys, you came here tonight to do a job and I’ve got two words for you – job done!”

Rhys and Laura scored a total of 40 from the judges. 

Wrapping up the final, all seven eliminated celebrities: Mickey Joe Harte, Elaine Crowley, Joanna Donnelly, Yasmin Seky, Gearóid Farrelly, Kevin Dundon and Aishah Akorede and their pro partners returned to the dancefloor with a disco-fuelled groove to Kylie Minogue’s Wow.

-ENDS- 

Date: Sunday March 16th 2025

Photography credit: Kyran O’Brien

For More Information:

Rayna Connery, RTÉ Senior Communications Lead | rayna.connery@rte.ie
Éadaoin Nic Giolla Chomhaill, RTÉ Communications Lead | eadaoin.nicgiolla@rte.ie

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty!

Shake your Shamrocks, Patrick Kielty will be hosting a St. Patrick’s weekend extravaganza with music, dancing, reunions and returns!

Getting the gang back together again, the 1990 Republic of Ireland squad will reunite on The Late Late Show on Friday night to relive one of Ireland’s greatest sporting years, the year that was Italia 90. Marking 35 years since Ireland first qualified for the World Cup, Patrick will welcome Mick McCarthy, Niall Quinn, Packie Bonner, Ronnie Whelan, Ray Houghton, John Aldridge, Kevin Sheedy, David O’Leary, Andy Townsend, Chris Hughton, Chris Morris, Steve Staunton, Kevin Moran, Bernie Slaven, John Sheridan, Frank Stapleton and David Kelly to studio.

Riverdance will be taking over The Late Late Show studio on Friday night as the cast showcase the global phenomenon which began as the interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest 1994. The Late Late Show will be celebrating the show that has become an Irish success story, performing to millions around the world.

Grammy Award-winner and Cork singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot will be on the show to perform his new song Little Dreaming. Fresh from singing the National Anthems at last week’s Six Nations Cian, who has just announced his first headline show at the 3Arena for later this year, will also sit down with Patrick this Friday night for a chat.

Nerves are building and the tension is rising as the winner of this year’s Dancing with the Stars is just days away from taking home the coveted glitterball. Joining Patrick on the show tonight are the anticipatory finalists Jack Woolley, Rhys McClenaghan, Kayleigh Trappe and Danny O’Carroll along with their pro-partners Alexandra Vladimirov, Laura Nolan, Ervinas Merfeldas and Salome Chachua. They’ll be chatting about their time spent on and off the dancefloor, the friendships they’ve made and more.

Get ready for a ‘Rollercoaster’ of a performance as B*Witched make their return to The Late Late Show this Friday night. Chart toppers Keavy, Edele, Sinead and Lindsay will be performing an ultimate fan favourite.

And that’s not all, Irish rugby fans in Rome will have the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Italy v Ireland match this Saturday.

The Late Late Show is proudly sponsored by PTSB.

-ENDS-

13 March 2025

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough

Notes to Editor:
For more updates follow The Late Late Show online:
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