Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Katie Gallagher

Nicky Byrne leaves RTE Dancing with the Stars due to commitments with Westlife

NICKY Byrne will no longer host Dancing with the Stars, RTÉ have revealed.

The broadcaster confirmed the popular reality show will return in the new year with season six, with a new presenter due to Nicky’s commitments with Westlife.

Announcing the autumn line-up at their new season launch today at Dublin’s RDS, RTÉ said: "Dancing with the Stars series 6 will see a new line-up of brave soldiers take to the dancefloor in early 2023, and as Nicky Byrne heads on tour with Westlife, RTÉ will be announcing a brand-new co-presenter."

READ NEXT: Inside ITV's hunt to replace Love Island's Laura Whitmore – as two stars 'lead the race'

Nicky has hosted the Sunday night entertainment show since it began, originally alongside Amanda Byram before she departed in 2018.

Jennifer Zamparelli took over in 2018 and will remain when the show returns in 2023.

On social media, Nicky explained he was gutted to be leaving the show.

He said: "A little news from me: sadly I will be stepping away from hosting Dancing with the Stars on RTE.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this show full of glitz and glamour and, of course, being a part of everyone’s Sunday night winter TV viewing. It’s been a brilliant five seasons since we launched in 2017, working with the best crew in the world.

"I have smiled and laughed my way through those 59 shows to date, and what a journey it’s been. I take away the greatest memories.

"Thank you Amanda and Jennifer and of course Lottie for stepping in. Thank you RTE. Thank you to the amazing team in ShinAwiL.

"Thank you to Loraine, Brian, Arthur and Julian and all of the professional dancers. Thank you to the crew of hundreds who made all of those shows special.

"I wish whoever takes over from me the absolute best. Just don’t fall down that stairs at the start of the show! You’ll have an absolute blast."

Other shows announced at today’s season launch included brand-new series North Sea Connection, SisterS, The Dry, Clean Sweep, and the return of Kin and Smother.

Ireland’s Fittest Family will also return with a brand-new coach in the form of current in the form of current Dancing with the Stars champ Nina Carberry.

Other competitive streaks are sure to present themselves with Ultimate Hell Week: The Professionals putting a new line-up of well-known recruits through their paces, and there are still plenty of singletons looking for love in the ever-popular First Dates Ireland.

Build Your Own is a new series following the trials and tribulations of homeowners from across Ireland, while Maggie Smith is back with more Cheap Irish Homes.

Dermot Bannon (RTE)

Room to Improve returns, and Dermot Bannon travels to Spain and Scotland for more Dermot Bannon’s Incredible Homes.

In Takeaway Titans, Carl Mullan and James Kavanagh are on the hunt for Ireland’s greatest chipper.

Get breaking news to your inbox bysigning up to our newsletter

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.