Brooke Scullion's record breaking Dancing with the Stars performance received over half a million viewers

Over half a million people tuned in to watch Brooke Scullion steal the show with her record breaking performance on the opening week of Dancing with the Stars.

An average of 525,000 viewers (including RTÉ+1) plus 17,200 streams on the RTÉ Player watched as the Bellaghy woman received the highest score ever for a first dance on the show.

The show got more viewers than both Ryan Tubridy’s Late Late Show and Tommy Tiernan off the top ratings spot.

Brooke danced the salsa with her partner Maurizio Benenato to Let Them Know by Mabel, receiving 25 points from the judges.

Judge Arthur Gourounlian could hardly contain his excitement when the pair made their way to the panel for feedback.

“Brooke Scullion that was magnificent,” he shouted following the performance.

“You have expertly let us know one thing: you can dance! And I couldn't take my eyes off you.”

“Honestly, you took salsa for the first week – a very bold move but very very rewarding. Powerful first dance,” he said

Brian Redmond who was quite conservative with his points all night gave them an eight out of ten. Lorraine Barry also gave the pair an eight. Arthur, who was happy to score most contestants higher than the other judges, gave them a nine.

You wouldn't believe it after watching the performance but Brooke's partner Maurizio was the first dancer eliminated on last year's show.

Judge Brian dubbed him the 'luckiest boy in Ireland' for getting the former Eurovision contestant as his partner.

Derry born Glee star Damian McGinty was favourite to win prior to the opening performances. He performed the tango and scored an impressive 19 points.

Leah O'Rourke who played Jenny Joyce in Derry girls danced Pasodoble to Alice Cooper's School's Out and scored 14 points – a good score for the opening week.

Brooke and Leah currently live together in Dublin's city centre for the duration of the show.

Speaking to RSVP Live ahead of the show Brooke said she is enjoying the change of scene after living at home in Co Derry for the last three years.

"I am living in the middle of the city at the minute and it is unreal. I have never been so central before.

"I have been living at home for the last three years. I got to travel all over Europe with Eurovision during the summer, but this is so different. I love it," she said.

"I am living with Leah, we are the two Derry Girls. I am a real Derry girl, she is a fake Derry girl because she is from Down,” she added.