As the country recovers from Storm Éoywn, Patrick Kielty will have any updates on the situation and a packed show.

Irish comedian, musician and delicious Tik Toker Garron Noone will sit down with Patrick tonight to talk about what a wild ride the last year has been, as well as a bit of craic and a song.

Tonight, The Late Late Show will celebrate 150 years of the IRFU ahead of the Six Nations return. In his very first Late Late Show appearance, Andy Farrell sits down with Patrick Kielty and will be reflecting on his time as Ireland’s Head Coach, including the back-to-back Six Nations wins, and looking to the future as he takes over the British and Irish Lions.

As part of those celebrations, three of Ireland’s rising rugby stars Aoife Wafer, Erin King and Craig Casey, along with legendary former player and captain, Rory Best will join Patrick. While best-selling author Paul Howard and Grand Slam winner Gordon D’Arcy will be on the show to chat about how an unlikely collaboration between the man behind the Ross O’Carroll Kelly books and Ireland’s longest serving international player is now on its fourth children’s book.

The Irish Women in Harmony, a collective of Irish female artists including Ruth Anne Cuningham, Erica Cody, Tolou, Aimée and Soulé, will come together on Friday night to give viewers a moving performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

The Late Late Show is proudly sponsored by PTSB.

-ENDS-

23 January 2025

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough
Notes to Editor:
For more updates follow The Late Late Show online:
Instagram @latelaterte
TikTok: tiktok.com/@latelaterte
Blue Sky: latelateshow.rte.ie
X: @rtelatelateshow
Facebook: facebook.com/thelatelateshow
YouTube: youtube.com/@rtelatelateshow

NIYL is the final act to go through to Eurosong 2025 hoping to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2025
First listen and interview on today’s Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1

Limerick born artist NIYL has today been announced as the final act bidding to represent Ireland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest taking place in Basel, Switzerland in May this year.

NIYL’s song is entitled Growth.

Tune into The Ray D’Arcy Show from 3pm on RTÉ Radio 1 today as NIYL will join Ray to chat about his entry and hear the first radio play of his Eurosong entry, Growth.

All six finalists have now been confirmed with Bobbi Arlo, Reylta, Adgy, Samantha Mumba, EMMY, and NIYL (full bio information below in notes) hoping to get the opportunity to represent Ireland on the biggest stage and bring home Eurovision 2025.

The contenders will battle it out on The Late Late Eurosong Special on Friday, 7 February at 9:35pm on RTÉ One, where they will face a combination of the National Jury, International Jury, and public vote. Each artist will perform their song, selected from hundreds of entries received by RTÉ following a callout for submissions last year.

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will be held in St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland after Nemo took home the trophy for Switzerland in 2024. Two Eurovision Semi-Finals will take place on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May with the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final taking place on Saturday 17 May.

Yesterday on The Ray D’Arcy Show, EMMY spoke of her entry to Eurosong. You can listen back here.

Samantha Mumba joined Ray later this afternoon, you can listen to her interview here.

-ENDS-

24 January 2025

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough

Notes to Editor:

Listen to all released songs on The Late Late Show YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@rtelatelateshow

Samantha Mumba and EMMY announced as next hopefuls bidding to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2025
First listen and interview on today’s Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1

Irish singer-songwriter Samantha Mumba and Norwegian singer EMMY have today been confirmed as the next two acts hoping to represent Ireland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.

With the song contest taking place in Basel, Switzerland this May, Samantha Mumba and EMMY are the fourth and fifth finalists of a total of six.

Samantha Mumba will be hoping things go her way with her song My Way while EMMY is eager for Eurosong success with her song, Laika Party.

Tune into The Ray D’Arcy Show today to hear their first interviews and the first radio play of both My Way and Laika Party.

The last of the Eurosong finalists will be unveiled on Ray’s show tomorrow, Friday, and all six finalists will compete on 7 February on The Late Late Eurosong Special which will determine who will go on to represent Ireland at the 69^th Eurovision Song Contest.

Bio: Samantha Mumba is a distinguished Irish singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress who ascended to international acclaim at the remarkable age of 17 with her debut single, Gotta Tell You. The song became a global phenomenon, achieving top five positions in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where it peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her eponymous debut album sold over 4 million copies worldwide, establishing her as a formidable presence in the music industry.

Expanding her creative horizons, Mumba transitioned seamlessly into acting, earning accolades for her performances in a range of compelling films. She starred in The Time Machine, a sci-fi epic opposite Guy Pearce; Spin the Bottle, a charming Irish romantic comedy; Shifter, a gripping horror thriller; and Johnny Was, where she shared the screen with Eriq La Salle.

In 2024, Samantha continues to captivate audiences with a recurring role as Paula Kenny in the fourth season of the acclaimed BBC/Acorn TV series Harry Wild, acting alongside Jane Seymour and Rohan Nedd. Her talents also extend to voice acting, with her portrayal of Jules in Queen Latifah’s Audible series Technically Speaking.

With a career marked by versatility, artistry, and enduring appeal, Samantha Mumba remains an influential figure whose work transcends genres and mediums, leaving an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and her global audience.

Bio: EMMY is a 24-year-old Norwegian singer-songwriter. She was born and raised in a family that loves music and has been singing her whole life. When she was seven, she started making her own songs, both alone and with her brother, who is also a singer-songwriter.

Her career got a kick-start in 2015 when she, as a 15-year-old, participated in Melodi Grand Prix Junior, one of the biggest music competitions in her country, for children. Six years later, in 2021, she participated in Melodi Grand Prix, Norway’s national selection of a song for Eurovision Song Contest. The song she performed was Witch Woods.

Today, she is especially known for singing on TikTok, and has a profile with 1.2 million followers, from around the world. She has also been working with big artist producers, such as K-391 and Braaheim.

In 2024, she was in Los Angeles, Latvia and France taking part in songwriting sessions. Emmy is also a freelance graphic designer.

Yesterday on The Ray D’Arcy Show, Reylta spoke of her entry to Eurosong. You can listen back here

ENDS

23 January 2025

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough

Adgy hoping to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2025
First listen and interview on today’s Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1

Donegal born Adgy is the latest act to be announced this week hoping to impress at Eurosong 2025 and represent Ireland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.

Adgy’s song is entitled Run into the Night.

Tune into The Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1 today to hear the first play of his Eurosong 2025 entry, Run into the Night. With three more acts to be unveiled this week, The Ray D’Arcy Show is giving listeners the opportunity to hear the first air play of each song and to get to know the acts performing them.

The six Eurosong finalists will compete on 7 February on The Late Late Eurosong Special to determine who will go on to represent Ireland at the 69^th Eurovision Song Contest.

Bio: Adgy is making a bold return with a fresh sound and a mission to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2025. His new single, Run into the Night, is a Celtic pop anthem written by Adgy and produced by Eurovision legend Ivan Klymenko (Kalush – Stefania, ESC 2022 winner). The Donegal-born singer-songwriter performed on Eurosong 2023 with his track “Too Good For Your Love”, and since then has taken some time to develop his music and grow as an artist.

After Eurosong 2023, he went traveling and eventually made his way back to London, where he has been writing music for the past year. A prolific songwriter with over 12 million streams, a deal with Universal Music Group, and a publishing deal with Spirit BMG under his belt, Adgy draws inspiration from his roots in the Donegal Gaeltacht.

Yesterday on The Ray D’Arcy Show, Reylta spoke of her entry to Eurosong. You can listen back here.

ENDS

22 January 2025

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough

Coverage includes the Men’s, Women’s and Under 20’s Six Nations

RTÉ coverage presented by Jacqui Hurley with expert panellists including Jamie Heaslip, Fiona Coghlan, Niamh Briggs and Jim Hamilton.
  
Virgin Media Television coverage presented by Joe Molloy with Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Andrew Trimble, Fiona Hayes and Grace Davitt joining the team of expert panellists.

Six Nations live coverage on RTÉ2, RTÉ Radio 1,  RTÉ Player,  Virgin Media Television and Virgin Media Play.

RTÉ and Virgin Media Television have today released details of its joint Six Nations coverage, with all games live and free-to-air across the two broadcasters, ensuring sports fans get to enjoy all of the action. Coverage includes the Men’s, Women’s and Under 20’s Six Nations tournaments.

Fans can look forward to top-tier analysis and insights across both broadcasters. Presenter Jacqui Hurley is at the helm on RTÉ, with expert panellists including Jamie Heaslip, Stephen Ferris, Bernard Jackman, Donal Lenihan, Fiona Coghlan and Jim Hamilton bringing top quality analysis. Joe Molloy leads the coverage on Virgin Media Television, with Rob Kearney, Matt Williams, Shane Horgan, Andrew Trimble, Ian Madigan, Fiona Hayes and Grace Davitt in the lineup of panellists ready to give their expert insights.

RTÉ Radio 1 has exclusive radio rights for all of Ireland’s Six Nations games, home and away, and will be live with full match commentary from Michael Corcoran, and co-commentary, analysis and reaction from panellists including Donal Lenihan, James Downey, Niamh Briggs, Shane Byrne, and Marcus Horan.

Commencing on Friday, 31 January with the Men’s Six Nations, the opening match sees France play host to Wales in the Stade de France. The game will be live on Virgin Media One at 8.15pm.

On Saturday 1 February, RTÉ’s opening match is Scotland v Italy live from Murrayfield at 2.15pm. This is followed by Ireland v England which is live on Virgin Media One from 4.45pm, as the current holders and Grand Slam winners will be looking to make it three titles in a row.

On Saturday, 22 March the Guinness Women’s Six Nations kicks off in Kingspan Stadium with Ireland v France at 1pm on Virgin Media One. This is followed by Scotland v Wales at 4.45pm which is live on RTÉ Player.  On Sunday, 23 March defending champions England take on Italy at 3pm on Virgin Media Two.

RTÉ’s Six Nations Rugby offering includes coverage across all three tournaments with exclusive free-to-air matches on RTÉ2, RTÉ Radio 1, and RTÉ Player. For live updates, in-depth analysis, news, and interviews, visit RTÉ.ie/Sport or follow @RTErugby on social media. Against The Head returns to RTÉ2 on Monday nights, offering the latest discussions and expert insights, while The RTÉ Rugby Podcast dives deeper into everything Six Nations. Stay informed with RTÉ News, which provides comprehensive updates, including on the RTÉ News Now app.

Virgin Media Television will offer in depth coverage right across the Men’s, Women’s and Under 20’s Six Nations. Virgin Media News will bring viewers all the latest stories as they happen and the VMTV Rugby Pod will review all the action weekly throughout the tournaments. If you’ve missed any of the action, then the Six Nations Highlights show has you covered every Sunday at 7pm and follow us on social media across Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok @VMSportie.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Declan McBennett, Group Head of Sport, RTÉ said: “As we embark on an exciting year for rugby, the anticipation surrounding the 2025 Six Nations Championship is palpable. RTÉ is proud to continue its commitment to sports fans nationwide by delivering free-to-air, multi-platform coverage of this prestigious tournament, in collaboration with Virgin Media Television. With expert analysis across all RTÉ platforms, rugby fans can enjoy every thrilling moment throughout the Championship, without missing a beat of the action.”

Commenting on the coverage announcement, Brian Gleeson, Head of Sport, Virgin Media Television, said: “What an exciting championship we have to look forward to on Virgin Media Television and RTÉ. Momentum is everything in the Six Nations, and it doesn’t get bigger than Ireland v England in Round 1, live on Virgin Media One. We’ll be live at the Aviva Stadium for what should be a cracking contest. Plus, we’ll see the return to the Six Nations of arguably the best rugby player in the world, Antoine Dupont, as France welcome Wales to Paris on Friday night. Add to this a new crop of Ireland Under 20s looking to make their mark, and the Ireland Women’s team impressing in the Autumn, it’s all set to be a brilliant season of international rugby on Virgin Media Television”. 

ENDS

Note to Editor:

RTÉ Communications: Caoilinn Putti

Virgin Media Television Communications: Louise Zayed

Full broadcast details are below:

Live RTÉ U20s Six Nations matches are:
Fri 31 Jan – Scotland v Italy – RTÉ Player
Sat 8 Feb – Scotland v Ireland – RTÉ2
Fri 21 Feb – England v Scotland – RTÉ Player
Fri 7 Mar – England v Italy – RTÉ Player
Fri 7 Mar – Ireland v France – RTÉ2
Fri 14 Mar – Italy v Ireland – RTÉ2
Fri 14 Mar – France v Scotland – RTÉ Player

Live RTÉ Guinness Women’s Six Nations are:
Sat 22 Mar – Scotland v Wales – RTÉ Player
Sat 29 Mar – Wales v England – RTÉ Player
Sat 12 Apr – France v Wales – RTÉ Player
Sat 12 Apr – Ireland v England – RTÉ2
Sat 19 Apr – Italy v France – RTÉ Player
Sun 20 Apr – Wales v Ireland – RTÉ2
Sat 26 Apr – Italy v Wales – RTÉ Player
Sat 26 Apr – England v France – RTÉ Player

Live Virgin Media Television U20s Six Nations matches are:
Thu 30 Jan – Ireland v England – Virgin Media Two
Sat 1 Feb – France v Wales – Virgin Media More
Fri 7 Feb – Italy v Wales – Virgin Media Play
Fri 7 Feb – England v France – Virgin Media Two
Fri 21 Feb – Wales v Ireland – Virgin Media Two
Sat 22 Feb – Italy v France – Virgin Media Play
Fri 7 Mar – Scotland v Wales – Virgin Media More
Fri 14 Mar – Wales v England – Virgin Media More

Live Virgin Media Television Guinness Women’s Six Nations matches are:
Sat 22 Mar – Ireland v France – Virgin Media One
Sun 23 Mar – England v Italy – Virgin Media Two
Sat 29 Mar – France v Scotland – Virgin Media Two
Sun 30 Mar – Italy v Ireland – Virgin Media One
Sun 13 Apr – Scotland v Italy – Virgin Media Two
Sat 19 Apr – England v Scotland – Virgin Media Two
Sat 26 Apr – Scotland v Ireland – Virgin Media One

Singer-songwriter Reylta been announced as the second act bidding to represent Ireland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Reylta is the second of six acts hoping to represent Ireland in the contest taking place in Basel, Switzerland in May this year.

Reylta’s song is entitled Fire.

Tune into The Ray D’Arcy Show from 3pm today as Reylta joins Ray in studio to chat about her entry and hear the first radio play of her Eurosong entry, Fire. Four more acts will be unveiled on Ray’s show throughout the week, giving listeners an opportunity to get to know all acts looking to be the next Irish entry to Eurovision 2025.

The six Eurosong finalists will compete on February 7^th on The Late Late Eurosong Special to determine who will go on to represent Ireland at the 69^th Eurovision Song Contest.

Biog: Reylta is a captivating singer-songwriter hailing from rural Ireland, whose music blends bittersweet melodies with a layered, alternative edge. Rooted deeply in Irish tradition and heritage—from its poetic legacy to its evocative landscapes and rich storytelling—her work paints a hauntingly unique perspective. Reylta’s poetic lyrics, lush string arrangements, and evocative harmonies create a soundscape that is both intimate and transcendent.

Performing with her band since 2017, Reylta released her debut single, Fools Games, in 2019. Her much-anticipated debut album, Everything Unsaved Will Be Lost, launched last October to critical acclaim, with the Irish Independent naming her “Galway’s Alt Folk Queen.”

Yesterday on The Ray D’Arcy Show, Bobbi Arlo spoke of her entry to Eurosong. You can listen back here.

ENDS

21 January 2025

For more information: Jilly McDonough, Communications Lead | jilly.mcdonough@rte.ie

Nominations Announcement – RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards

Celebrating the very best in folk music in Ireland from the past year

Awards event LIVE in Vicar Street and on RTÉ Radio 1 on Wednesday 26th February

Live performances from Junior Brother, Niamh Regan, Landless, John Spillane’s Folk Opera Fíoruisce, plus five-time Grammy award winner, Mary Chapin Carpenter and many more

Limited number of tickets now on sale from ticketmaster.ie | #rtefolkawards

RTÉ has today announced the nominations for the 7th RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards which will celebrate the very best in Irish folk music from the past year in Vicar Street, Dublin, on Wednesday 26th February at 7.45pm and live on RTÉ Radio 1 from 8pm, hosted by RTÉ’s John Creedon. A television highlights programme will be broadcast on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Saturday 1st March.

The nominations for the 7th RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, 2025, are:

Best Original Folk Track
Caoine – Róis
Chasing the Hare – Alannah Thornburgh
I’m for Gallipoli – Fiach Moriarty (feat. Damien Dempsey)
Old Friend – Lemoncello
The Good Life – Joshua Burnside

2024 Winner: Anáil na hOíche – Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin

Best Traditional Folk Track

Bean an Fhir Ruaidh – Diane Cannon
Helen of Kirkconnell Lea – The Half Room
Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye – Macdara Yeates
The Rocky Road to Dublin – Lankum
Welcome Home, Gráinne – Natalie Ní Chasaide & Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill

2024 Winner: Seán Gabha – Piaras Ó Lorcáin and Bláth na hÓige

Best Folk Singer

Cathy Jordan
Christy Moore
Macdara Yeates
Ríoghnach Connolly

2024 Winner: Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin

Best Folk Instrumentalist

Alannah Thornburgh
Diarmuid Ó Meachair
Macdara Ó Faoláin
Sinéad McKenna

2024 Winner: Aoife Ní Bhriain

Best Folk Group

Altan
Cuas
Keane Connolly McGorman
Landless

2024 Winner: Lankum

Best Folk Album

A Terrible Beauty – Christy Moore
Crankie Island Song Project – Cathy Jordan
Fíoruisce – The Legend of the Lough – John Spillane
Keane Connolly McGorman – Keane Connolly McGorman (self-titled)
Lemoncello – Lemoncello (self-titled)

2024 Winner: False Lankum – Lankum

Best Emerging Artist

Cuas
Niamh Bury
Róis
Seamas Hyland
Sinéad McKenna

2024 Winner: Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta

RTÉ RADIO 1 FOLK AWARDS HALL OF FAME

Róise Rua, a renowned singer from Árainn Mhór, Dún na nGall, will be inducted into the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards Hall of Fame on the night. Róise, who was also known as Róise na nAmhrán, passed on a rich heritage of folk music and preserved many songs that would otherwise have been lost, but have now travelled far beyond her home county.

Georgina Dudgeon, a relative of Róise Rua who has been involved in promoting and celebrating her great-grand-aunt’s legacy, will be among the guests of honour at Vicar Street, to accept the award on her behalf.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

The Lifetime Achievement Award winner for 2025 will be announced in February, in advance of the awards. Previous winners are Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill (2024), Mary Black (2022), Christy Moore (2021), Steve Cooney (2020), Moya Brennan (2019) and Andy Irvine (2018). (The RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards did not take place in November 2023, as they were rescheduled to February 2024).

In what promises to be a very special night celebrating Irish folk music, the awards will feature live performances from outstanding musicians such as Junior Brother, Niamh Regan, Landless, John Spillane’s Folk Opera Fíoruisce plus five-time Grammy award winner, Mary Chapin Carpenter and many more. RTÉ presenter John Creedon will again host the awards ceremony in front of a live audience.

A limited number of tickets for the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards are on sale now via www.ticketmaster.ie and are priced at €33.50 plus €1.50 venue facility fee.

Stay up to date on the latest on the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards by following RTÉ and RTÉ Radio 1 on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X and by staying tuned to RTÉ Radio 1.

If you can’t join us in Vicar Street on Wednesday 26th February, join us live on RTÉ Radio 1 at 8pm,
and don’t forget our television highlights programme on RTÉ One on Saturday 1st March 2025.

ENDS

For information:

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

Mickey Joe Harte was the first celebrity to be eliminated from series eight of Dancing with the Stars tonight.

Mickey Joe and pro partner Daniela Roze had the lowest number of votes combined from the first three episodes.

Mickey Joe said:  “It’s been great craic, I’ve made so many good friends. It’s just one of those things, I’m so disappointed for Daniela, it’s her first year as well and she really worked hard to get me to this level, so give it up for Daniela.”

Mickey Joe and Daniela will speak to Laura Fox on 2FM at 9.30am tomorrow morning for their first broadcast interview following their exit from the show.

Opening the show tonight was social media star Kayleigh Trappe and her dance partner Ervinas Merfeldas. The pair performed a Cha-cha-cha to the Sabrina Carpenter hit Espresso.

Judge Loraine Barry said “All the steps of the Cha-cha-cha were there. I just wanted a little bit more.”

Judge Brian Redmond said: “Espresso – I felt like I could have done with one. It just needed a little more punch.”

Kayleigh and Ervinas scored a total of 24 points. 
The second couple to take to the floor was celebrity chef Kevin Dundon and his partner Rebecca Scott. They danced a Quickstep to Soda Pop by Robbie Williams featuring Michael Bublé.

Arthur Gourounlian said:  “Let me tell you something you definitely can move! Sometimes it was like you were running instead of dancing. But overall I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

Brian said: “As a quickstep it was quite dapper in places, but missing the odd bit here and there. Overall you recovered very well. Much better than last week!”

Kevin and Rebecca scored a total of 18 points. 

The third couple to perform was Former Miss Universe Ireland Aishah Akorede and her partner Robert Rowiński, who danced a dramatic Tango to the Artemas track I Like the Way You Kiss Me.

Karen Byrne said: “From the whole beginning I was just captivated. There was fast choreography going on there, but it looked like it didn’t faze you whatsoever.”

Loraine said: “The set, the mood, the colouring, it really captivated everyone. But all through it you kept your composure, that beautiful length. Well done!

Arthur said: “I like the way you played it… it was absolutely fierce!”

Aishah and Robert scored a total of 30 points. 

The fourth couple to dance were Olympic gold medalist and gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and his pro partner Laura Nolan. They stormed the dance floor with a Cha-cha-cha to Bruno Mars’ hit Treasure.

Loraine judge said: “For me Rhys, you have a code of discipline that I admire. You are authentic to the dance and to the steps. Tonight you absolutely did that. The back flip, I’ve seen it. But it doesn’t need it in the Cha-cha.”

Arthur said: “To me, dancing is the language of expression. It felt like sometimes you were a bit disconnected from the music. But overall that was a polished Cha-cha. You are a showman!”

Brian said: “Rhys, Mr consistent, week 3 you did a fabulous technical job of a very difficult dance. You’re definitely ice cool, but I just want a little bit more of that fire before you really set me alight.”

Rhys and Laura scored a total of 30 points. 
Next up was Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly and her pro dance partner Maciej Zieba, who danced a Samba to the reggae hit Give Me Hope Jo’anna by DJ Jazzy D GrooveMaster.

Loraine said “For me I saw a lot of Samba. It was there. It wasn’t done quite correctly , but you gave it a good go.”

Arthur said “I could not stop dancing with you. You threw every single shape you had into this number. We all know the samba is the celebrity killer, but you survived!”

Brian said: “In terms of putting a smile on my face you certainly did that – even if the timing didn’t add up!”

Joanna and Maciej scored a total of 19 points. 

The sixth couple tonight were Mrs. Brown’s Boys actor Danny O’Carroll and his dance partner Salome Chachua, with a Jive to C’mon Everybody by Eddie Cochran.

Arthur said: “For a jive you need to have this ball of energy, which you had at times. I wish you were more in control. But overall to me it was still a good attempt at the Jive.”

Brian said: “You cleaned up last week, but this week was more like airing your dirty laundry in the street at times. That struggle was there a little, but there is no doubt at all in your work ethic.”

Loraine said: “For me Jive is a test if stamina, and that you completed from start to finish. But the actual structure, you did well.”

Danny and Salome scored a total of 24 points. 

Hoping to be lucky number seven tonight was comedian Gearóid Farrelly and his partner Stephen Vincent, leaned into an elegant Viennese Waltz to R.E.M.’s Everybody Hurts.

Brian said: “The flow and power of that Viennese Waltz is exactly what we were looking for.”

Karen said “Gearóid, you’re a great little spinner! I absolutely adored this dance. The ending was so simple, but it was perfect.”

Loraine said: “You guys have created this signature move, the changing of the hold while you are dancing, and that is incredibly difficult to do. I loved it.”

Arthur said: “It was like watching a delightful conversation between you two. It wasn’t just dance, it was a moment.”

Gearóid and Stephen scored a total of 30 points

Next up, Ireland AM presenter, Elaine Crowley danced a sizzling Salsa to Turn the Beat Around by Gloria Estefan and The Miami Sound Machine with her partner Denys Samson.

Karen said: “Live television is scary. You kept going. This is your first dance to have big lifts in it. You kept going, be proud of yourself, don’t be disappointed, you did it.”

Loraine said: “When you started, I thought, this is Elaine’s dance. I can understand the sheer disappointment. But you didn’t walk off the floor, you kept going.”

Brian said: “I felt your stress. Shame the mistakes were there, as it was definitely setting itself up to be a notable  achievement.”

Elaine and Denys scored a total of 25 points. 
The ninth couple to take to the floor tonight were actress Yasmin Seky and her pro partner Simone Arena. The pair danced a kooky Charleston to Meghan Trainor and T-Pain’s, Been Like This.

Arthur said: “I’ve been waiting for you to have a moment, and this was it! You have blown the competition wide open”

Brian said: “Great energy, great lifts, big on technical quality as well. But overall, we finally got to see Yasmin in her full radiant glory.”

Karen said: “The week that you needed to bring your A game, that’s exactly what you did.”

Yasmin and Simone scored a total of 36 points. 

The tenth couple to perform were singer-songwriter Mickey Joe Harte and his pro partner Daniela Roze, who followed suit with a Foxtrot to Hozier’s Too Sweet.

Arthur said: “You put hard work into it and you brought elegance to the ballroom. You demonstrated a smooth foxtrot tonight. Finally the dancer has arrived!”

Brian said: “A big improvement on the last few weeks. Mickey Joe Harte is a ballroom boy!”

Loraine said: “I’m going to christen you a ballroom dancer. You were great!”

Mickey Joe and Daniela scored a total of 28 points. 

The final couple, taekwondo OIympian Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov closed the show tonight with an energetic Jive to The Kid LAORI and Justin Bieber’s viral hit Stay.

Brian said: “With your background I was hoping that the kicks and flicks would be on point, and my God were they! Energy was great, and timing crystal clear!”

Karen said: “I feel I’m – for once – lost for words. You’re so captivating to look at.”

Arthur said: “You didn’t just show up, you brought the house down. Fireworks were exploding everywhere. The taekwondo kick delivered a knock out performance.”

Jack and Alex scored a total of 33 points. 

The glitz, glamour, and nail-biting competition will continue on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player next Sunday, January 26th at 6:30pm.

 -ENDS- 

Date: Sunday January 19th 2025

Photography credit: Kyran O’ Brien

Images sent directly to newsdesks via wetransfer by Kyran O’ Brien – kobpix@gmail.com

RTÉ Communications: Rayna Connery and Éadaoin Nic Giolla Chomhaill

Notes to Editor: 

ABOUT DANCING WITH THE STARS 2025

Filling our Sunday evenings with glitz and glamour from January, the RTÉ One series sees 11 well-known figures team up with a professional dancer to perform a live routine every week. Each pairing will have a different dancing genre to master every week, from the Charleston to hip hop, and they’ll have just seven days to perfect their routine before performing live to the nation.

Each celebrity couple will be scored by an expert panel of four judges and the viewing public at home, with the winning couple claiming the much-coveted glitter ball trophy at the end of the series.

Dancing with the Stars is produced by ShinAwiL for RTÉ.

Dancing with the Stars is proudly sponsored by Hyundai.

For all the latest news and backstage gossip on Dancing with the Stars, keep an eye on our social channels:

Instagram: @RTEOne & @DWTSIrl

TikTok: @RTEOne

Facebook: @RTEOne

Twitter: @RTEOne @DWTSIrl

#DWTSIrl

Bobbi Arlo has today been announced as the first act bidding to represent Ireland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Singer Bobbi Arlo is one of six acts vying to represent Ireland in the contest, which is taking place in Basel, Switzerland in May this year.

Bobbi Arlo’s song is entitled Powerplay.

Tune into The Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1 from 3pm today to hear her first interview and the very first play of her Eurosong entry, Powerplay. Five further hopefuls will be unveiled on Ray’s show each afternoon this week, with listeners getting to hear each entry for the first time and get to know the acts performing them.

The six Eurosong finalists will compete on February 7^th on The Late Late Eurosong Special to determine who will go on to represent Ireland at the 69^th Eurovision Song Contest.

Biog: Bobbi Arlo’s sound is vibrant and enigmatic, drawing inspiration from artists like Shygirl and Sega Bodega, blending club-ready beats with deeply personal, soul-baring lyrics. In a short time, she has captured the attention of the Irish music scene, earning notable support from streaming platforms and even a place on Irish sensation Niall Horan’s personal playlist. Her songwriting is unique and passionate, with her anthemic track “Feel It” which was nominated for Song of the Year at the prestigious RTÉ Choice Music Awards.

Beyond this, Bobbi has sold-out shows in Dublin, received widespread airplay, and graced the stage at key festivals, including Spain’s Primavera. In 2024, her rising prominence was further cemented when she was named Gay Times & Coca-Cola Artist of the Year. This honour led to performances at numerous festivals across the UK and Ireland, solidifying her place as one of the most exciting emerging artists in the scene.

ENDS

20 January 2025

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough