The Dancing with the Stars finale was watched last night on RTÉ One by 576,000 people, with a massive 48% share.
At it’s peak, an astonishing 734,000 watched the moment when winner Jake Carter lifted the coveted glitter ball with his partner Karen Byrne.
The episode appealed to viewers of all ages, and was the top entertainment show last week on Irish television with all audiences, and also proved the most popular entertainment show with younger audiences (15 to 34s), where it scored a 41% share.
The series has also been a big hit on the RTÉ Player, with 332,000 streams to date.
Jake & Karen have won #DWTSIrl series 2!!! pic.twitter.com/Vb66mTjFBM
— RTE One (@RTEOne) March 25, 2018
From its kick-off on RTÉ One in January when 11 celebrities and their pro-dancers took to the stage, through to the dance-offs, the show has delighted viewers over 12 weeks, culminating in last night’s hugely-anticipated final which along with Jake saw Deirdre O’Kane and Anna Geary comprise the three stars still standing.
Last night’s episode also treated fans to a dazzling ensemble dance number featuring judges Julian Benson, Brian Redmond and Loraine Barry, and presenters Nicky Byrne and Amanda Byram.
RTÉ last night also confirmed that there would be a third series of the phenomenally popular series.
RTÉ Group Head of Entertainment and Music John McHugh said, “Dancing with the Stars has delivered all that we hoped for, and so much more. The series had exceptional production values with great casting, and huge talent from all involved at ShinAwil.”
That’s a wrap! Thanks for watching! We’re excited to announce that Dancing with the Stars will be back with series 3 on RTE One next year! ????????✨???????? pic.twitter.com/lAFtatkwKf
— RTE One (@RTEOne) March 25, 2018
“The celebrities who took part put their heart and soul into their performances and it really showed. It was truly family entertainment at it very best and we look forward to its return on RTÉ One next year.”
Larry Bass, CEO of ShinAwil, said, “Dancing with the Stars is a high quality production, made so because of the great cast and fantastic crew we’ve had for this series.
“We really tried to lift the bar again this year and to make something all the family could enjoy together and the feedback has been outstanding. I’m already looking forward to seeing what we’re going to do for series 3!”
