Ireland AM favorite, TV chef, ‘gangster’s moll’, former teacher and fellow Olympian sign up for DWTS before final name confirmed

A TELLY gangster, a chef who promises to treat dancing like risotto and an Olympic gold medalist are among five new names on Dancing With The Stars.

The RTE show returns to screens next month with a bit of Kin as Yasmin Seky hits the dance floor.

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She is best known for playing Nikita Murphy, the partner of gang leader Eric “Viking” Kinsella, played by Sam Keeley.

Yasmin, from Cabra in Dublin, said: “I’m a bit nervous as I’ve never really done anything like this before. But I’m really excited too.

“I guess nervousness and excitement manifest in the body the same way, so I don’t know which one I am! I think the anxiety I experience from time to time motivated me to participate.

“Playing on screen, if you mess up you can start again, but with this you only get one chance and you just have to get it right!”

Yasmin starred in a short film when she was a teenager, but never considered a career until casting director Louise Kiely contacted her ten years later to audition for Kin.

She went on to win the Royal Television Society Ireland Award for Best Newcomer for her role and is currently filming a Channel 5 crime drama, The Puzzle Lady in Northern Ireland, with Downton Abbey star Phyllis Logan.

Meanwhile, RTE is hoping for an online rebound by bringing in social media star Kayleigh Trappe.

The former elementary school teacher has amassed over 400,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram.

Kayleigh, 29, posts sketch comedy videos, in which she lip-syncs to famous pop culture clips

Some of her greatest sketches even caught the attention of those she imitated, including Nadine Coyle and the cast of Derry Girls.

But Kayleigh expects the move from cell phones to small screens will be a “big change”.

She said: “I’m so excited. It seems so surreal, especially because I’m so used to being behind the camera in the comfort of my own home, and now I’m getting into the glitz and glamor.

“It’s a big change but I can’t wait to launch the Glitterball!” This type of glamor has never been a part of my life, but I have so much support from family and friends back home in Monaghan. I can’t wait to be in the middle of it all now.

TV chef Kevin Dundon is also ready to whip up some dance routines – and he can’t wait to impress his wife.

The Dublin culinary genius, 58, who cooked for the Irish and US presidents as well as the late Queen Elizabeth, said: “The fact that I’m actually going to learn to dance means that my wife, hopefully , will now enjoy dancing with me at weddings. and I’m not going to make a complete fool of myself! I’m a little nervous, because it’s quite difficult to learn the movements.

“It’s tricky. As a leader, I am coordinated, but not with my feet. My first dance is an American smooth, so I’ll treat it like a risotto, nice and slow with a little excitement at the end.

“THE FLAIR OF THE TREE HORSE”

The eighth season of DWTS will feature two Olympians, with gymnast Rhys McClenaghan joining taekwondo star Jack Woolley on the show.

Named RTE Sportsman of the Year in 2023, the Co Down man became the first to win a pommel horse gold medal for Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The 25-year-old said: “I’m excited to take on this new challenge and can’t wait to bring some gymnastic skills to the dance floor. I am approaching my training differently for the 2025 competition year.

“I’ve taken some time off to travel, and as I begin my first block of training for the Los Angeles Games, I’m going to have fun learning to dance too!

“I hope that with the guidance of my professional dance partner, I can also bring some of my pommel horse talent to the dance floor.”

NEW CHALLENGE FOR IRELAND AM STAR

Meanwhile, Virgin Media star Elaine Crowley is hoping to win over fans of rival station RTE after signing up to the show.

The Cork presenter, 47, has been incredibly honest in the past about the personal struggles she has faced throughout her long career.

She was praised for revealing her diagnosis of dysphoria, a mental condition which means she often feels deeply uncomfortable or depressed.

But Elaine is ready to try something new. She said: “I’ve never done anything like this before, let alone in front of so many people.

“But my older sister told me: You haven’t stepped out of your comfort zone in decades. You can interview politicians. You can do all of this on Ireland AM, but take the challenge for once.

“Then go ahead. What’s the worst that could happen?

Eurovision’s Mickey Joe Harte, comedian Gearoid Farrelly, Mrs Brown’s Boys actor Danny O’Carroll and former Miss Universe Ireland Aishah Akorede are also taking part.

The name of the latest celebrity will be revealed this weekend.

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