RTE reveal three more celebrities ahead of new series of Dancing with the Stars

Three more celebrity contestants were revealed on Friday night's Late Late Show for the highly-anticipated new series of Dancing with the Stars. 

New head judge Oti Mabuse chatted to Patrick Kiely about what viewers can expect in the new series as the hit show is set to return to Irish screens for a ninth season in early January. 

Mabuse will bring a wealth of experience to the new role having previously been a judge on 'Dancing on Ice' as well as a pro dancer the UK's 'Strictly Come Dancing'. 

She will lead the judging panel along with Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne as they will bring their expertise to crowning the best celebrity couple over the duration of the series. 

The new head judge was joined on The Late Late Show by new additions Philip Doyle, Tolü Makay and Amber Wilson as well as Eurovision Song Contest winner Niamh Kavanagh, who was announced last Sunday.

Each of the newly-announced contestants shared their excitement about showcasing their dancing skills and competing for the coveted glitterball trophy.

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Down's Philip Doyle is an Olympic bronze medal-winning rower as well as a qualified medical doctor. Philip is one of Ireland’s most accomplished rowers but admits to being nervous ahead his debut on Dancing with the Stars. 

"I’m feeling a little nervous for the show. As an athlete, we always expect the highest performance from ourselves, and this is unknown territory, so I don’t want to expect too much either."

The Olympian also outlined his reasons for signing up to the show revealing: "My motivation for taking part is to elevate rowing as a sport in Ireland. We do awfully well with the medals but are poor at promoting the sport, and I also just love any form of challenge."

The second new recruit is singing sensation and musician Tolü Makay who will be aiming to bring passion and soul to the dancefloor this season.

The Nigerian-born artist moved to Ireland as a child growing up in Tullamore, Offaly before becoming a household name overnight when her cover rendition of N17 by The Saw Doctors was featured in RTÉ’s New Year’s Eve broadcast back in 2021. 

Speaking on her decision to join the show, Tolü said: "I’m excited to be part of Dancing with the Stars this season. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and seeing how my body responds and what I learn along the way. I’ve been craving something that’s challenging but still fun, and when DWTS landed in my inbox it felt right to say yes."

Tolü also believes the show can help enhance her skills as a musical performer. "It lets me step outside my comfort zone, bring music and movement together, and deepen my artistry as a performer. It gives me a fresh challenge, structure, and a chance to have fun while I grow in a completely new space. I’m excited to share more of who I am with the world and see how far I can go."

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The final of the new contestants announced on Friday night was Amber Wilson who is best known for co-hosting 'Vogue & Amber', the hugely popular podcast with sister Vogue Williams.

Raised in Howth in Dublin, Amber has a background in art history, psychology, and PR and marketing. In a series first, She will be paired with a female pro dancer during her time on Dancing With The Stars.

Amber conveyed her excitement to be participating in the show adding: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking part in Dancing with the Stars. It’s a huge challenge and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That’s what life is all about for me: saying yes to new things and pushing myself outside my comfort zone."

Amber hopes that she can be a role model for many of the viewers watching on at home. "I believe it’s important for audiences to see diverse and authentic representation. Being part of the first female DWTS partnership on Irish television is something I’m deeply proud of, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to stand on that stage and represent my community."

The new series of Dancing with the Stars hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox will premiere on Sunday, January 4 on RTE and the RTE Player.