Limerick Traitors star set to light up the floor as Dancing with the Stars returns

LIMERICK man and Traitors Ireland legend Paudie Moloney is set to take to the Dancing with the Stars dancefloor as the latest season kicks off, leaving the Traitors’ round table behind in favour of glitter, music and the judges’ scorecards. The hit series returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player tonight.

The Kilmallock man won over the country earlier this year on The Traitors Ireland with his typical Irish Dad forthrightness that struck a chord with viewers. Since the show, retired prison officer Paudie has become a national treasure, enjoying widespread popularity both in his native Limerick and across the country. He appeared on The Late Late Show alongside his son and fellow The Traitors Ireland contestant Andrew. He has also been cast as the Wizard in a Dublin Christmas panto Olly Goes to Oz.

Speaking about his involvement in Dancing with the Stars this season, Paudie said:

“I’m very excited about taking part in Dancing with the Stars and also a little apprehensive at the same time. I’m really looking forward to the challenge, but I’m afraid all the glitter, the fake tan, and the sequins are going to be very new to me so I don’t know what to make of any of that."

READ MORE: The Fureys to perform their part of their final farewell tour in Limerick

"My close family are very excited about me doing it and they can’t wait to see the show. Some friends think I’m mad but are also excited for me. I know the grandkids will be delighted and mortified at the same time."

Paudie added: I really got lucky with my pro dancer – I can’t say the same for her but she has reassured me we’ll have a lot of fun while going through this great experience. As I was saying to my wife, Bernadette, it will be a whole new experience sober dancing – I’m normally only dancing at weddings now and, depending on the circumstances, the odd funeral."

"Bernadette and I have always been great fans of the show... but I still couldn’t tell you the difference between a Quickstep and an American Smooth.”

Dancing with the Stars will see 12 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 Salsa.