OTI MABUSE, one of the professional dancing stars from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has been announced as the new Head Judge of RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars.
Mabuse, one of only two dancers to win Strictly twice, replaces Loraine Barry, who stepped down after eight series as Head Judge on the RTÉ show.
She is joined on the panel by returning judges Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne.
"I'm so excited to be joining Dancing with the Stars Ireland as Head Judge!" said Mabuse.
Mabuse with fellow judges, from left, Brian Redmond, Karen Byrne and Arthur Gourounlian (Image RTÉ)"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."
Dance credentials
Mabuse, who won Strictly with celebrity contestants Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey in 2019 and 2020 respectively, took part in seven series of the iconic show.
She also appeared as a professional dancer on its German equivalent, Let's Dance, in 2015 and 2016.
Between 2021 and 2022, she was a panellist on ITV's The Masked Dancer and served as a judge on the channel's Dancing on Ice show from 2022 until 2025.
Mabuse won the South African Latin American Championship eight times, after which she moved to Germany to broaden her dancing horizons.
She has earned a number of titles in her dancing career including third place in World Cup Freestyle Latin in 2014, second place in European Championship Latin in 2014 and first place in German Championship PD Freestyle Latin.
Presenter change
The forthcoming series of Dancing with the Stars will also see a change of presenters, with Jennifer Zamparelli joined by Laura Fox while Doireann Garrihy is on maternity leave.
Galway native Fox has a weekday morning radio show on 2FM and also present Ireland's Fittest Family.
Fox, who reached the grand final in the seventh series of Dancing with the Stars in 2024, said: "I'm beyond thrilled to be stepping into the ballroom as co-host of Dancing with the Stars this year!
Jennifer Zamparelli, left, will be joined by Laura Fox on presenting duties (Image; RTÉ)"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."
The ninth season of Dancing with the Stars returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in January 2026.
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