It's almost that time again! Dancing With The Stars is upon us, and with Jennifer Zamparelli dubbing this year's group her 'favourite casting so far,' we are definitely in for a treat.
There is a lineup of eleven faces set to entertain us each week in attempts to vie for a chance to take home the Glitterball trophy.
Here is everything to know about the eighth season of the glitzy RTÉ competition...
When does the show begin?
Dancing With The Stars is set to start back very soon. The show will start back on Sunday, January 5 at 6.30 pm.
The show will run all the way until Sunday, March 16 on RTÉ One.
Who is set to judge?
The contestants may be subjected to a little extra scrutiny this year, as the judging panel is set to expand to four people.
Two-time Glitterball winner Karen Byrne is set to join the adjudicators this year. The pro dancer has revealed that she is 'absolutely delighted' to be sitting in the judge's chair, having won the contest last year.
‘I am absolutely delighted to join the judges panel for my eighth season of Dancing with the Stars,' she said. 'Having been lucky enough to win it twice and working with all my incredible dance partners, it will feel strange sitting on the other side of the desk. I can't believe it - I have to pinch myself!'
Karen will be joining veteran judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond, and Arthur Gourounlian. Lorraine is also very excited about returning to the show, saying: 'Roll on January 5th….. it’s going to be a fantastic season 8.'
Who is set to present?
Despite leaving RTÉ's 2FM earlier in the year, Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy have been confirmed to return to the show as co-presenters.
The leading ladies are said to be 'very excited' about the gig, having shared a clip reacting to this year's celebrity contestants before they were revealed to the public.
Jennifer dubbed the lineup as her 'favourite casting so far' while Doireann added that the line-up is 'epic, nostalgic and iconic.'
Which celebrities are set to compete?
There is quite the lineup of famous faces set to face off for the Glitterball trophy this season. From television chefs to Olympic athletes, eleven celebrities are set to dance across our screens each week.
Former Miss Universe Ireland Aishah Akorede was the first star to be announced. She may have an upper hand, as she comes from a sporting background, but she's not the only one...
Olympians Jack Woolley and Rhys McClenaghan know a thing or two about tough training sessions, and will likely be well-equipped for whatever their professional dance partners throw their way.
Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon is used to working under pressure but he has yet to face the wrath of the DWTS' judging panel!
Some cast members have been hoping to compete on the show for some time, with Mrs Brown's Boys Danny O'Carroll having 'wanted to do it for the last four years.'
He may not have a dance background but former Eurovision singer Mickey Joe Harte certainly knows a thing or two about rhythm!
We are sure to see plenty of show-stopping costumes on the show as Virgin Media's Elaine Crowley and Kin actress Yasmin Seky are sure to bring the sparkle.
Meanwhile, comedian Gearóid Farrelly is set to make waves on the show as he will be flying the flag for the gay community and dancing with a male partner.
Ireland's lipsync queen Kayleigh Trappe is the eleventh famous face in the lineup this year, and says she 'can't wait to get the glitter ball rolling!'
