Get ready for a season of glitz, glamour, and dancing as two-time ‘Dancing with the Stars’ champion Karen Byrne takes on a new role! RTÉ has announced that Byrne will join the judging panel for season eight of the hit Irish show, set to air in January 2025.
## A New Chapter for Karen Byrne
Byrne, who previously dazzled viewers with her impressive dancing skills, winning the show in 2018 with Jake Carter and in 2024 with Jason Smyth, will now provide expert commentary alongside veteran judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond, and Arthur Gourounlian. This win makes for a remarkable feat! The show’s judges are heading into the upcoming season with immense talent and experience.
Speaking about the exciting news, Byrne expressed her delightedness:
> “I am absolutely delighted to join the judges’ panel for my 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.
“I can’t believe it – I have to pinch myself! It doesn’t feel real – I don’t think it will feel real until I sit in the chair. I’ve always looked at the judges’ seats and thought that must be the best seat in the house.”
Byrne added her excitement for the upcoming season, stating: “The DWTS journey is the best, this show is in my veins – I absolutely love it. 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… please can it be January already?”
## High Praise from the Returning Judges
Head judge Loraine Barry welcomed Byrne to the judging panel, expressing her enthusiasm: “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.”
Arthur Gourounlian echoed Barry’s sentiments, stating: “I am over the moon to be returning for my fourth season of Dancing with the Stars! And what can I say about the incredible Karen? After watching her grace the dance floor with pure magic for three seasons, I’m beyond thrilled to now share the judging panel with her. It’s going to be absolutely electrifying!”
Brian Redmond, known for his candid critiques, added: “I’m chuffed that Karen will be joining us on the judging panel this year after winning two glitterballs and seven seasons on the show, I think she’s earned her place. I’m sure she’ll challenge me, and maybe I’ll challenge her, but it all makes for great excitement ahead of the new year.”
More ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Updates to Come!
Alongside the new judge, fans can look forward to the return of Jennier Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy as hosts. RTÉ will reveal the first celebrity competing in the new season on December 9th.
Ready to lift the glitter ball?