RTÉ has announced that Dancing with the Stars will not take place in 2021.
The popular series ended at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, with presenter Lottie Ryan winning the latest season.
In a statement, the broadcaster said they felt bringing the show back would be too risky.
Commenting on the decision, John McHugh, RTÉ’s Head of Entertainment said: “We are extremely disappointed not to be in a position to produce series five of Dancing with the Stars in 2021.”
Photo Credit: Kyran O’Brien
“After much discussion, we feel the risks are too high with a production of this scale to proceed with the series in 2021 and we hope to revisit the show in 2022”
He continue: “We understand that the many fans of the series will be disappointed with this decision.
“However, given the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19 and our duty of care, we believe this decision is the right one.”
“We will continue to work with Larry Bass and ShinAwiL on other projects and will be conducting ongoing discussions with them and the BBC to try and bring back Dancing with the Stars in 2022.”
RTÉ added that they will announce a full autumn schedule of programming and content across their television, radio and online services in the coming weeks.
While the show doesn’t start airing until January, rehearsals normally start as early as November, with pro dancers and celebs normally coming together weeks before Christmas.
