Dancing With The Stars: Karen Byrne joins judging panel for new series

RTÉ has announced that two-time Dancing with the Stars winner and professional dancer Karen Byrne will join the judging panel in the new series of the hit entertainment show.

Byrne, a ballroom and Latin dancer from Ballyfermot in Dublin, will work alongside longstanding judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian when Dancing With The Stars returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in January 2025.

Byrne is a two-time winner of the glitterball trophy, most recently in 2024 with Paralympian Jason Smyth and in 2018 with singer Jake Carter.

She has represented Ireland at international dance competitions, teaches at her own studio in Inchicore and has a weekly podcast, The Carter Couch, with Jake Carter and his brother Nathan.

Byrne said she was "absolutely delighted" to join the judging panel for her eighth season of Dancing with the Stars.

"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."

She added: "I feel so honoured to now be on the judges panel with the fabulous Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian. Let the madness commence..."

Head judge Loraine Barry said: "I’m thrilled to be heading into season eight of DWTS Ireland especially as we welcome the two-time champion Miss Karen Byrne to the judging panel. Karen is fresh off the dance floor into the judging seat and I look forward to working with her."

Dancing with the Stars will be hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy again this season.

The first celebrity taking to the dance floor for the brand-new season of Dancing with the Stars will be announced on Monday, December 9th.