Star’s Emotional Exit from the Ballroom: “More Than I Anticipated”
The glitz and glamour of Dancing With The Stars saw another celebrity sashay away from the ballroom this week, with Fair City actress Stephanie Kelly becoming the latest contestant to be eliminated. Kelly, alongside her professional dance partner Ervinas Merfeldas, found themselves in the dreaded dance-off on Sunday night, facing off against The Apprentice star Jordan Dargan and his partner Rebecca Scott.
The pressure was on as the combined scores from the judges and the public vote landed them in the third dance-off of the season. Despite a spirited performance, Stephanie’s samba to ‘Lo-Lo Dzama’ Šum Svistu ultimately failed to impress the judging panel, leading to her departure from the competition.
Following her elimination, a reflective Stephanie shared her feelings about the experience. “It was so much more than I anticipated,” she revealed. “I got so much more out of it than I realised. It is not just about learning to dance or being on a reality TV show; it did so much for me personally.” She emphasised her positive outlook, stating, “I am not emotional in a sad way, and I would recommend anybody to do it because it is deadly.”
A Night of All-Stars and Milestone Celebrations
This week’s special episode also marked a significant milestone: the show’s 100th episode. To celebrate, seven beloved All-Stars from previous seasons returned to the ballroom to offer their expertise and guidance to the remaining couples. The familiar faces included Des Cahill, Jake Carter, Mairéad Ronan, Ryan Andrews, Jordan Conroy, Brooke Scullion, and Blu Hydrangea, all of whom mentored and advised the current contestants.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Westlife singer Nicky Byrne returned to the dance floor, this time taking his place on the judging panel. He joined fellow judges Oti Mabuse, Brian Redmond, Karen Byrne, and Arthur Gourounlian.
Byrne, looking dapper, expressed his delight at being back. “I’ve had so many wonderful experiences on this ballroom,” he commented, “and I’m here behind the judge’s desk with three world-class judges – and Brian (Redmond).” This marked Byrne’s first return to the dance floor since 2022.
Nicky Byrne has a long history with the show, having originally co-hosted the series for its first five seasons alongside Amanda Byram. His connection to the dance floor is also deeply personal, as he himself competed in 2012 on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the quarter-finals.
Performances and Judge’s Critiques
The evening kicked off with The Apprentice star Jordan and Rebecca Scott performing a Jive to Bruno Mars’ ‘Runaway Baby’. Season five’s Jordan Conroy served as their mentor for the energetic routine.
The duo scored an impressive 43 points, with Nicky Byrne praising their performance as having “knocked it out of the park.” Head judge Oti Mabuse echoed the sentiment, declaring, “What a way to open the show. That was so energetic.”
Singer Tolü Makay and her partner Maciej Zięba then took on a Tango to Lady Gaga’s “Applause,” guided by season seven’s Blu Hydrangea. The judges were captivated by their performance. Karen Byrne noted Makay’s “mad ability” to immerse the audience, while Nicky described the dance as “full of attitude,” calling it “strong and aggressive.”
With a total score of 49 points, Arthur Gourounlian declared Makay “the boss tonight” for her incredible tango. Oti Mabuse also lavished praise on the singer, calling her a “queen.”
Season three winner Mairéad Ronan mentored Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins and her partner Leonardo Lini as they performed a Viennese Waltz to ‘You are the Reason’ by Calum Scott feat. Leona Lewis.
Karen Byrne tearfully described the performance as a “piece of magic,” while Nicky commended Katelyn for doing the song justice with her “elegant and soft” dance. Oti highlighted Katelyn’s “incredible” emotional journey throughout the competition, and Arthur remarked, “you literally spun us around and around… it was so captivating.” Brian Redmond even suggested that Katelyn has the potential to win the glitterball trophy, following in Mairéad’s footsteps. The couple achieved a perfect score of 50 points.
The Traitors Ireland legend Paudie Moloney and his partner Laura Nolan received encouragement from RTÉ Sport’s Des Cahill for their Salsa to Quincy Jones’ ‘Soul Boss Nova’.
Nicky Byrne lauded Moloney as “the heart and soul of this competition,” praising his “fun, passion and charm.” However, Oti Mabuse critiqued the performance as “flat footed,” and Brian added that it “sank like a stone.” The couple received a score of 25 points.
Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts and his partner Arianna Favaro delivered a Paso Doble to ‘The Greatest Show’ by Panic! At the Disco, a song previously performed by Brooke Scullion in season six.
Oti Mabuse was highly impressed, stating, “This is just next level. Well done. This was beautifully put together.” The judges awarded them a score of 46 points, including a perfect 10 from Nicky Byrne.
Olympic rower Philip Doyle and his partner Daniela Roze closed the show with a Contemporary Ballroom routine to Harry Styles’ ‘Sign of the Times’, a tribute to season two champion Jake Carter.
Arthur Gourounlian described Doyle’s dance as “out of this world” and noted a significant transformation, declaring, “Tonight, something completely transformed.” Brian echoed this sentiment, calling the dance “phenomenal” and identifying Doyle as a serious contender. The couple scored 48 points.
A Star-Studded Audience
The ballroom was packed with a host of famous faces in the audience on Sunday night. Among the recognisable personalities spotted were Elaine Crowley, Mary Kennedy, Eileen Dunne, Aoibhín Garrihy, Marty Morrissey, Clelia Murphy, Fred Cooke, Gráinne Seoige, Billy McGuinness, and David Whelan.
Also in attendance were Glenda Gilson, Norah Casey, Maia Dunphy, Gearoid Farrelly, Carl Mullan, Joanna Donnelly, Kevin Dundon, Erin McGregor, Matthew MacNabb, Shane Byrne, Mickey Joe Harte, Aishah Akorede, and Kayleigh Trappe, all enjoying the spectacle.
What’s Next for the Ballroom?
The competition heats up next Sunday as the remaining six celebrities and their professional partners prepare for Orchestra week. Dancing With The Stars continues on RTÉ One every Sunday from 6:30pm.
