The Green Post Ireland
Dancing with the Stars is set to deliver one of its most heartfelt episodes of the season this Sunday, as the remaining nine celebrities take to the floor for Dedicated Dance Week. Each couple will perform in honour of someone who has made a lasting impact on their life, turning the ballroom into a stage for deeply personal tributes.
While no contestant will be eliminated this week, the stakes remain high. The couple with the strongest combined score from judges and public votes will earn immunity from next week’s first dance-off, making every performance crucial despite the temporary reprieve.
Eric Roberts and Niamh Kavanagh lead powerful family tributes
Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts will dedicate his dance to his nephew Oisín, who lives with cerebral palsy and autism. Frequently featured in Eric’s social media, Oisín is a major inspiration in his life. Eric and partner Arianna Favaro will perform a Tango to Coldplay’s Clocks, a band the pair share a special connection with after attending concerts together.
Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh will honour her late nephew Daniel, who passed away in 2024 at just 23 after battling a brain tumour. Niamh has spoken of his remarkable strength and grace, recalling how he ran a marathon to raise funds for brain tumour research. She and Stephen Vincent will dance an American Smooth to Elton John’s Daniel.
Dedications rooted in parents, children and lifelong support
Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins will dedicate her routine to her parents, Noel and Siobhan, recognising their constant encouragement throughout her life, including her journey growing up with a hearing impairment. Alongside Leonardo Lini, she will perform Contemporary Ballroom to Never Enough by Kelly Clarkson.
Fair City actress Stephanie Kelly will dance in tribute to her 12-year-old son Zach, describing him as her closest companion since birth. She and Ervinas Merfeldas will perform a Paso Doble to Kygo’s Firestone, a song that holds special meaning, as Zach once walked her down the aisle to an acoustic version of it.
Singer Tolü Makay will also keep her dedication within the family, honouring her sister Timmy, who she calls her best friend. Tolü and Maciej Zięba will dance a Foxtrot to Adele’s When We Were Young.
Paudie Moloney celebrates his grandchildren with joy and energy
The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney will dedicate his performance to his ten grandchildren, ranging from 21-year-old hurler Shane to newborn Oisín. In a nod to his past career as a prison guard, Paudie and Laura Nolan will dance a high-energy Jive to Jailhouse Rock by The Blues Brothers.
Three celebrities honour their mothers in emotional routines
Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin will dance in memory of her mother Nancy, who died shortly after Anne gave birth to her first child. She and Robert Rowiński will perform an American Smooth to Fleetwood Mac’s Don’t Stop, a song tied to her childhood memories.
Jordan Dargan, star of The Apprentice UK, will dedicate his dance to his mother Ruth. With Rebecca Scott, he will perform an American Smooth to Christy Moore’s The Voyage, which also reminds him of his late grandmother.
Olympic rower Philip Doyle will honour his mother Una with a Samba to ABBA’s Dancing Queen. The song connects to a cherished family story about how Una and Philip’s late father Eamonn once sneaked into an ABBA concert when they were young.
Special tribute to Julian Benson
This week’s episode will also pay tribute to former Dancing with the Stars judge Julian Benson, who passed away in April last year. Viewers will hear memories from former host Nicky Byrne, former head judge Loraine Barry, current presenter Jennifer Zamparelli, and judges Brian Redmond, Karen Byrne, and Arthur Gourounlian.
The professional dancers will honour Benson — affectionately known as “Captain Sparkle” — with an emotional group performance to Donna Summer’s Last Dance.
