Dancing with the Stars recap: Katelyn Cummins shines as dark horses emerge on opening night

The ninth season brings a new judge, a new host and 12 new celebrities 

Presenters Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox during the opening show of season nine of Dancing With The Stars. Picture: Kyran O’Brien

Dancing with the Stars is back for another season, with a new host, a new head judge, three new professional dancers and 12 new celebrities.

Yes, it was a busy opening night for one of RTÉ’s most popular shows. Laura Fox is stepping into Doireann Garrihy’s shoes while the presenter enjoys her maternity leave, and Oti Mabuse — former professional dancer on the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing — has taken Loraine Barry’s seat on the judging panel. James Cutler from Birmingham, and Ariana Favaro and Leonardo Lini from Italy, are the new professional dancers.