RTÉ has announced an exciting new name to take over the role of Head Judge for the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.
Strictly Come Dancing royalty Oti Mabuse is making the move across the Irish Sea to join the judging panel, alongside Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian, and Karen Byrne in 2026.
She will replace former Head Judge Loraine Barry, who announced she was standing down from her role earlier this month to step back and focus on herself after a tough year.
Oti became a household name during her time a professional dancer on Strictly in the UK from 2015 to 2021, and lifted the Glitterball trophy twice, before she moved on to serve as a judge on Dancing on Ice from 2022 until 2025.
New DWTS Head Judge, Oti, said she is excited to celebrate the 'incredible talent and passion' that Ireland has to offer as well as bring 'a whole lot of sparkle' to the show.
In a statement, she said: 'I'm so excited to be joining Dancing with the Stars Ireland as Head Judge! Dance has been such a huge part of my life, and to now have the opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and passion that Ireland has to offer is such a joy.
'As someone who has been on both sides of the judging table from performing as a professional dancer on Strictly to sitting on panels on different shows I know just how much heart, hard work and magic goes into every performance and how much this show means to everyone.
'Irish audiences have always been so warm, supportive and fun-loving, so I already know we’re going to have the most amazing time together. I'm looking forward to having the best time with my fellow judges and can't wait to bring my love for performance and, of course, a whole lot of sparkle, to this fabulous show.'
Meanwhile, RTÉ bosses have chosen 2FM presenter Laura Fox to stand in for Doireann Garrihy as a co-host on the next season of Dancing with the Stars, while Doireann is away on maternity leave.
Laura will join fellow DWTS co-host Jennifer Zamparelli to present the hugely popular Sunday night show, which she also knows well having served as a contestant in 2024 where she made it to the final.
Speaking after the announcment, Laura said it was a 'full-circle moment' for her. She said: 'I'm beyond thrilled to be stepping into the ballroom as co-host of Dancing with the Stars this year! Having been a contestant on the show, I know exactly how nerve-wracking and magical it all is the glitter, the graft, the laughs and I honestly can’t wait to be part of it from this side of the stage.
'I'm absolutely buzzing to join Jen for the craic, and I'll just be keeping the seat warm for Doireann while she takes a well-deserved break to welcome her new arrival. It's such an iconic show and a real full-circle moment for me bring on the sequins!'
Dancing With The Stars will return to our screens on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in January 2026, with the names of the 12 contestants yet to be released... watch this space!
