Mrs Brown's Boys actor joins Dancing With The Stars lineup

Actor and producer will compete in the contest alongside Irish model and former Miss Universe Ireland, Aishah Akorede

Danny O’Carroll said the timing was right. Picture:  Barry McCall    

Mrs Brown’s Boys’ Danny O’Carroll has joined the line-up for RTÉ’s Dancing With The Stars (DWTS), the broadcaster today announced.

The actor behind Buster Brady is the second celebrity to be announced for the show, after Irish model and former Miss Universe Ireland, Aishah Akorede, was confirmed.

O’Carroll will be following in the footsteps of some of his castmates on Mrs Brown’s Boys. In 2019, his aunt Eilish O’Carroll, who plays Winnie, took part in DWTS, while Rory Cowan, who played Rory on the show until 2017, took part in the last season earlier this year.

Speaking about his place on the show, O’Carroll said the timing was right. 

“I’ve wanted to do Dancing with the Stars for the last four years, but I have always been touring the UK with Mrs. Brown’s Boys in January, so it just wasn’t possible.

“But this year, we’re touring in Ireland for the first time in over twelve years, and I can commute to get the rehearsals in so it’s working out really well. I’m delighted to finally be able to do it.” 

The 41-year-old said his aunt, in particular, has been rooting for him and encouraging him to “go as far as I can for her”.

“I’m not a dancer so I’m well out of my comfort zone, but I’m going to try to do whatever I can to get to the final. I’m going to give it socks.” 

The remaining contestants in the line-up will be announced in the coming days.

Dancing With The Stars returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player next month, with longstanding judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian and the newest addition to the panel, DWTS’ own Karen Byrne.

Recently wed Doireann Garrihy will also be making a return to the show alongside Jennifer Zamparelli.