Australian dancer and choreographer Trent Whiddon has been announced as the new pro-dancer to couple with model Holly Carpenter on RTÉ One’s series three of Dancing with the Stars.
Trent was brought in to replace Curtis Pritchard after Curtis sustained serious injuries on St. Stephen’s night, and Trent will partner with Holly until Curtis recovers from his operation and returns to the show.
Speaking about joining Dancing with the Stars Trent said: “It’s a little bit bittersweet joining the show in this situation. I wish Curtis a speedy recovery and look forward to performing on Dancing with the Stars and working with Holly until he gets back.”
As you may have heard @Holly0910 was due to be partnered with @CurtisPritchard but due to his injuries he’s had to step down for now.
Stepping up to partner Holly is Australian dance supremo and former Strictly pro, @TrentWhiddon! #DWTSIrl #DWTS pic.twitter.com/W970ECsyTl
— DWTS Ireland (@DWTSIRL) January 4, 2019
Trent’s celebrity dancer on the show Holly Carpenter said: “My heart goes out to Curtis after what happened to him and I wish him a speedy recovery. In the meantime Trent has saved the day and I feel really lucky to get the opportunity to learn from two amazing professional dancers now.”
“Trent and I are getting on so well already and we’ve hit the ground running and will make the most of every rehearsal we have before our first performance together.
“I also know Curtis will be watching and I want to make him proud. I’m looking forward to Sunday and getting on the dance floor!”
Creative director Darren Bennett, who was tasked with finding a new pro-dancer at late notice, said: “After hearing the devastating news about Curtis’s injury I was determined to search every corner of the dance world to ensure we found the best replacement professional dancer possible.”
“We had very limited time to achieve this but my search brought me to Australia where thankfully Trent was available. It was vital that the person we secured had the necessary experience to ensure Holly had a fair chance on the show.
“Trent has a wealth of knowledge and experience and I’m really looking forward to working with him for the duration of his time on Dancing with the Stars.”
Trent is best known for his professional appearance on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, where he partnered with Pixie Lott.
He has also worked for Dancing with the Star Australia and featured on Dancing with the Stars USA. He has also choreographed for Rod Stewart and danced for Lady Gaga and One Republic.
Trent arrived in Ireland on Thursday and has just a few days to rehearse with Holly and the other dancers before the live show this Sunday 6 January at 6:30pm on RTÉ One.