RTE has confirmed Dancing with the Stars will return to screens in January 2022, with a new celebrity judge and pro dancers on board.
The popular Sunday night show was shelved last year due to the pandemic and fans were hopeful it would return next year.
After much anticipation about its future, the broadcaster announced the hugely popular entertainment series, produced by ShinAwiL for RTE, is set to run from January to March.
As usual, the show will see well known faces and aspirational dancers from the showbiz world teamed with professional dancers in a bid to impress the judges and viewers at home with their routines.
Presenters Jennifer Zamparelli and Nicky Byrne will be back at the helm of the series in 2022.
However, there has been a shake-up within the judging panel that will see dancer and acclaimed choreographer Arthur Gourounlian take Julian Benson's spot, alongside returning judges Loraine Barry and Brian Redmond.
Among the other changes, the upcoming series will see 12 brand-new celebrities now take part in the show (previously there were 11), and the series will get straight down to business, with celebrities and their partners being voted off from week two of the 12-week run of shows.
A number of new pro-dancers will also be joining this year's show also for the first time, including two new professional dancers from Ireland.
All will be hoping to progress to the final and get their hands on the coveted Dancing With The Stars glitterball trophy.
Social reporter James Patrice is back for the new season with his access-all-areas backstage pass to bring fans all the latest news and updates from the training room and the dancefloor on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
Dancing with the Stars will be available live and on-demand on RTE Player each week, along with clips of each and every dance, so you'll never miss your favourite performances.
John McHugh, RTÉ Head of Entertainment, said: "RTÉ are delighted to announce that Dancing with the Stars is back and will once again be entertaining viewers across the country on Sunday evenings.
"There's a truly stellar line-up in store for this series, and I think everyone will welcome the return of the glamour and entertainment that ShinAwiL and Dancing with the Stars have always delivered for audiences."
Larry Bass, CEO ShinAwiL, said: “We are all thrilled in ShinAwiL to once again help bring the glitter back to brighten up our winter evenings in the new year on RTÉ One.
"It will be a challenge to manage a show of this scale while also policing the strict covid protocols we have identified with RTÉ, but it is a challenge the whole team are looking forward to taking on. Dancing with the Stars is such a great feel-good show, it is exactly what the country needs after two years of tough times."
Further details about Dancing With the Stars 2022 will be announced in the coming weeks, including the line-up of celebrities taking part, and their professional partners.
