Get ready, dance enthusiasts! The stage is set, the lights are primed, and the dance floor is calling! Dancing with the Stars is gearing up for its ninth series, returning in January 2026, and the excitement is already building. This season, we're welcoming three fresh faces to the professional dancer lineup, promising a whirlwind of new talent and captivating performances.
Taking center stage will be the incredibly talented Arianna Favaro, Leonardo Lini, and James Cutler. They're stepping in to fill the shoes of the departing Salome Chachua, Denys Samson, and Simone Arena, and the anticipation is palpable.
Let's dive into the details of these exciting new additions:
Arianna Favaro: This Italian dancer is no stranger to the spotlight. With a passion for Latin dance ignited at the tender age of 8, Favaro has since become a force to be reckoned with. She's represented Italy in WDSF Latin events and is a member of the renowned dance production Burn the Floor. Her television appearances on Italian programs like Danza con me and On Dance have further solidified her status as a dance icon. And here's a fun fact: she's in a relationship with current DWTS pro dancer, Maciej Zięba!
Leonardo Lini: Hailing from Bassano del Grappa, Italy, Lini comes from a family deeply rooted in the world of dance. Known for his expertise in Latin-American, ballroom, and modern dance, Lini has clinched numerous titles and reached the finals in prestigious European and World competitions. He's also graced the screen on the popular Italian talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi and collaborated with the theatrical dance company Burn the Floor.
James Cutler: Representing the UK, Cutler is a seasoned professional in ballroom and Latin dance. He's bringing his award-winning skills to the show, having earned national and international titles across the UK, Canada, and Denmark. Beyond the competition floor, Cutler has showcased his talent in television and theatre, choreographing West End shows and assisting with choreography on Strictly Come Dancing. He even participated in the Belgian version of DWTS, reaching the latter stages with his celebrity partner.
But here's where it gets controversial... What do you think about the new lineup? Will they bring something fresh to the show?
Meanwhile, some familiar faces are returning to the ballroom. Laura Nolan is back after her winning partnership with Rhys McClenaghan last season. She'll be joined by Ervinas Merfeldas, Robert Rowiński, Stephen Vincent, Maciej Zięba, Alex Vladimirov, Rebecca Scott, and Daniela Roze. And adding to the joy, Kylee Vincent is also returning after welcoming her first child last year.
Now, let's take a moment to acknowledge the departing dancers. Salome Chachua, Denys Samson, and Simone Arena have made the difficult decision to step away from the show. Their contributions have been invaluable, and their heartfelt farewells reflect the deep connections they've formed during their time on Dancing with the Stars.
And this is the part most people miss... Oti Mabuse is stepping in as the new head judge, replacing Loraine Barry. She'll be joining the returning judges Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian, and Karen Byrne.
The celebrity dancers and their pro partner pairings will be revealed in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled! Dancing with the Stars will be back on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player every Sunday night in January 2026.
What are your thoughts on the new additions and the changes? Share your opinions in the comments below! Do you think the new dancers will bring a fresh perspective to the show? Are you sad to see the departing dancers go? Let's discuss!
