Dancing with the Stars is back on RTÉ with 12 well-known faces taking to the floor as the 9th season begins tonight, January 4th at 6pm.
Speaking on The Anton Savage Show, judge Brian Redmond said the opening night brings a unique challenge for contestants, as they face the pressure of live television for the first time.
“We don’t normally get to see them until the live show itself,” Redmond said, explaining that even early rehearsals can’t replicate “the pressure of the lights and with the people watching at home.”
This year’s line-up includes Brian Kennedy, Michael Fry, Anne Casson, Eric Roberts, Rose of Tralee Caitlin Cummins, rower Philip Doyle and Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh, alongside Paudy from The Traitors and singer-songwriter, Tolü Makay.
Redmond said some familiar names may surprise viewers, while others face physical hurdles.
Brian Kennedy is “an accomplished performer,” he said, but questioned “physically will he be able to pull it off?”
As for Kavanagh, Redmond joked that while her vocals are top-notch, he asked, “will she be able to keep the mouth and the feet moving at the same time?”
While dance ability matters, Redmond stressed that public support often proves decisive.
“Despite the fact that I would love the judges to have the ultimate power, we don’t,” he said, noting past contestants who outperformed expectations thanks to viewer votes.
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“The most important thing to do, aside from being able to do cha-cha-cha, is to connect with the audience at home.”
There is also a change on the judging panel this year, with a new addition bringing what Redmond described as “a very vibrant character” and strong technical expertise.
The mix, he said, should add a new dynamic, “as long as the three of them don’t start ganging up on me.”
Often labelled the show’s toughest judge, Redmond defended his approach.
“Yes, I may be a little bit tougher with the scores, but I want them to get better,” he said, adding that it’s more rewarding to see contestants improve over weeks rather than peak early.
