EXCLUSIVE! Ireland’s Dancing With The Stars is set to return

RTÉ’s Dancing With The Stars is set to return to screens in early 2022, despite concerns the new season would not be going ahead, Goss.ie can reveal.

Many pro dancers and production crew were left worried that the series would not be returning, with fears that the show could become “unmanageable” if there were COVID-19 outbreaks.

However, Goss.ie has learned that production company ShinAwil is in final talks with RTÉ, and that show bosses are confident that the series will be coming back.

“Crew members, presenters, and judges have been told that things are looking good,” a well-placed insider told Goss.ie.

“The production company has asked people to start preparing for the next series. Everyone from the film crew to the dancers is being told to plan for the show’s return.”

Another source added that while “no contracts have been signed for talent yet”, everyone is waiting on the “official green light” so that rehearsals can kickstart.

While another insider said the entire crew was told that “positive news” was on the way.

Historically the pro dancers and their celebrities are partnered up by October, with rehearsals starting in November at the latest.

The Gossies award-winning show is hosted by Nicky Byrne and Jennifer Zamparelli, with judges Brian Redmond, Julian Benson and Loraine Barry.

And social media star turned presenter James Patrice hosts the online behind-the-scenes show for RTÉ’s social media channels.

To date celebrities like Glenda Gilson, Marty Morrissey, Aoibhin Garrihy, Holly Carpenter, Peter Stringer, Erin McGregor, Mairead Ronan, Brian Dowling and more have taken to the dance floor.

See all the stars we would love to see on DWTS right HERE.

The news comes the same week that the BBC was forced to deny that some pro dancers in the UK have been “refusing” the COVID vaccine, leaving their celebrity partners uneasy.

Goss.ie believes that measures will be in place to allow couples to “miss” time off the show if they contract COVID, and that other celebrities will be lined up if stars are forced to drop out.

RTÉ declined to comment when contacted by Goss.ie.