Forget St Patrick and his anti-snake agenda – the big talking point this weekend is the final of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), where four celebrities will battle it out for the Glitterball Trophy. Hold on to your shamrock shakes, here is everything you need to know.
When’s it on?
The final begins on RTÉ One at 6.30pm on Sunday, March 16th.
Who is in the final?
The celebrity final foursome includes Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan with pro partner Laura Nolan, Taekwondo Olympian Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov, Mrs Brown’s Boys star Danny O’Carroll with Salome Chachua and TikTok personality Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas
How does the final work?
Each couple will perform two routines. Firstly, they will reprise a favourite dance from earlier in the contest. Then they will perform a show dance – “a freestyle performance that allows them to combine different dance styles”. After that, it’s up to the voting public to pick a new champion.
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What dances will feature?
McClenaghan and Nolan will perform their Spider-Man-themed Charleston from Movie Week. Woolley and Vladimirov will dust down their American Smooth as dedicated to Jack’s friend, Olympic boxer Kellie Harrington, during Dedicated Dance week. O’Carroll with Chachua will rewind to their week two Charleston scored by Michael Bublé. And Trappe and Merfeldas are bringing back Love Week as they do a salsa to Christina Aguilera’s Let There Be Love.
Who are the front-runners?
Having consistently topped the leaderboard throughout the contest, it is no surprise that McClenaghan is bookie’s favourite, followed by Woolley. Trappe, the only female celebrity in the final, is rank outsider with odds of 14/1.
Anything to look out for?
The best dancer doesn’t always win DWTS. It was personality as much as dancing ability that saw Jason Smyth lift the Glitterball Trophy in 2024 – and a similar narrative surrounded comedian Carl Mullan’s victory in 2023. He was a cheeky chappy who charmed his way to the end – and it feels telling that much the same credentials have carried O’Carroll to the grand decider. Don’t be shocked if he’s crowned champion by public vote on Sunday.
What sort of season has it been?
This year’s big change was the addition of a fourth judge in the form of pro dancer (and 2024 champion) Karen Byrne. She’s been a worthy addition to the panel – supportive and enthusiastic but not afraid to tells it like she sees it. Otherwise, it’s been an up-and-down season. Dad dancer Kevin Dundon made it to the quarter-finals despite a glaring lack of dancing ability. Meanwhile, the public consistently relegated Miss Universe Ireland Aishah Akorede to the dance-off regardless of how well she performed. After a humdrum year, DWTS owes us a classic final.
