'I've absolutely no regrets': Limerick star Paudie closes ‘unexpected’ chapter following DWTS success

AFTER months under studio lights and in front of national audiences, Paudie Moloney is ready to return to a quieter life.

The Kilmallock man, who surprised audiences with a run to the final of Dancing with the Stars 2026, has insisted he is ready to step back from the spotlight after what he describes as an “unexpected” but deeply enjoyable chapter.

“We’ll take a bit of a break for the next few weeks,” Paudie said, reflecting on life after the show. “I’ve had a great blast for the last several months... I've absolutely no regrets because it was absolutely great fun.”

At 69, the Traitors star had entered the dance competition without expectation. “I went out to perform to enjoy, and I did that,” he said.

READ MORE: ‘This has been an absolute experience of a lifetime’: Limerick's Paudie marvels at his DWTS journey

“Winning was never on my radar... I was absolutely over the moon that I made it to the final.” There is a shared WhatsApp group among contestants, and he remains in regular contact with his professional partner Laura Nolan, even planning to attend her wedding later this year.

Paudie and his wife Bernadette marked his birthday on St Patrick’s Day with a quiet escape to West Cork, opting for sea air over celebration. “Normally, I would attend some St Patrick's Day parade somewhere or do something like that and go out for a few drinks,” he said. “But we went to the coast, and we just relaxed for the day... We had a nice quiet day, so it was something I needed badly.”

That desire for a slower pace now shapes his outlook. There are no plans for further television appearances, nor any appetite to extend his dancing beyond the occasional wedding floor. “I’m not talking about doing nothing, but I have no plans to do anything in the future.”

Paudie acknowledged the support of the community which carried him to the final. “It was great to get that run and thanks to the public who got me there.”

He continued: “I really appreciate all the people in Limerick that supported me, it was brilliant... it warmed the heart that people are supporting me like that.”