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07 Jan 2026
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07 Jan 2026
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Pictured: Katelyn Cummins and dance partner Leonardo Lini
Laois locals were beaming with pride as our Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins stole the show on this year's Dancing with the Stars.
The Laois Rose won top marks on this season's first episode, broadcast on Sunday January 4.
Katelyn is known for her dancing skills, having wowed crowds with her jiving in her Rose of Tralee debut, and at Electric Picnic 2025.
Joined by dancer Leonardo Lini, the pair were the 11th couple to dance on the episode. Viewers were mesmerised as they danced a tantalizing Tango to 'The Fate of Ophelia' by Taylor Swift.
Watch the video below. More on the story below images.
The Laois Rose and Leonardo scored a total of 31 points- the highest score for the first episode.
Shaking up our Sunday evenings with handfuls of glitter and spellbinding dance performances, the ninth series of Dancing with the Stars burst onto Irish television screens on Sunday, January 4.
A brand new judge, a new presenter and three new professional dancers took to the dancefloor tonight for the opening episode of the ninth series of Dancing with the Stars.
Three new professional dancers Arianna Favaro, Leonardo Lini, and James Cutler joined returning dancers Laura Nolan, Robert Rowiński, Ervinas Merfeldas, Stephen Vincent, Kylee Vincent, Maciej Zieba, Rebecca Scott, Daniela Roze and Alex Vladimirov.
The glitz, glamour, and nail-biting competition will all continue next week with the first elimination taking place a week earlier than previous series.
Dancing with the Stars is hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox.
Each celebrity couple will be scored by an expert panel of four judges: Oti Mabuse, Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne, and as well as the viewing public at home, with the winning couple claiming the much-coveted glitterball trophy at the end of the series.
For more on Katelyn Cummins' Dancing with the Stars journey, keep an eye on the Leinster Express / Laois Live website!
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