Dancing with the Stars recap: From Nicky Byrne to the ‘Paudie Padel’, centenary episode delivers unique treat
Traitors Contestant Paudie Moloney did his own version of Des Cahil's iconic move.
It was a particularly special night for on Sunday, as the RTÉ show celebrated a milestone: 100 episodes.
For this celebratory episode, former host Nicky Byrne (who previously competed on the BBC’s ) rejoined the show, this time as part of the judging panel alongside Brian Redmond, Karen Byrne, Arthur Gourounlian and head judge Oti Mabuse.
In an extra twist, this year's couples were tasked with putting their own spin on some of the show’s most iconic performances from the past eight seasons — with former contestants coming on board to provide expert coaching.
Des Cahill, Jake Carter, Mairéad Ronan, Ryan Andrews, Jordan Conroy, Brooke Scullion and Blu Hydrangea were the former contestants whose dances were reimagined on the night — and they were also on hand to cheer this year’s contingent on.
Opening the show was Jordan Dargan, who took inspiration from Jordan Conroy’s baseball-inspired jive from season five.
“You want high energy [in the jive], and that’s exactly what I saw,” Karen Byrne remarked. Brian Redmond, however, said he felt Dargan’s top half looked “a little bit restricted”. Dargan achieved 43 out of a now possible 50 from the judges.
actress Stephanie Kelly was tasked with taking on her fellow Carrigstown co-star Ryan Andrews’ samba, which earned him top marks in the 2020 final.
“The samba is like trying to pat your head and rub your tummy at the same time,” Redmond said. “I saw fabulous arms, I saw great hip action… just not always all at the same time.”
Arthur Gourounlian said she had “the bounce, the stamina” and gave her “an A for effort”. She walked away with 34.
Blu Hydrangea’s tango last year proved the inspiration for Tolü Makay. It resulted in a standing ovation from the judges — well, everyone except Redmond.
“You still don’t point your feet when you kick,” he said by way of explanation. Head judge Oti Mabuse disagreed with Redmond’s assessment.
“I was watching… your toes were pointed,” she said. Makay scored 49, with Redmond the only judge not to award a 10.
Mairéad Ronan gifted winner Katelyn Cummins some motion sickness bands as she took on Ronan’s semi-final Viennese Waltz. Back in 2019, Ronan got full marks for this performance, and Cummins was determined to do the same.
“I don’t even know what to say… that was a piece of magic,” an emotional Karen Byrne commented.
“I think the best compliment I can give is that I think every girl in the country wants to be you tonight,” Nicky Byrne added.
“You are the reason season nine is one of the best seasons so far,” Gourounlian commented.
It was a 10 from all five judges, giving her the highest score in the show’s history — 50.
In an inspired pairing, star Paudie Moloney was, of course, mentored by Des Cahill and given an opportunity to recreate Cahill’s iconic ‘Dessie Swim’ from his 2017 salsa.
“You are the heart and soul of this competition; this is what this show is all about,” Nicky Byrne said. “You bring fun, enthusiasm, a lovely charm.”
“It sank like a stone,” Redmond commented. He scored 25 out of a possible 50.
presenter Eric Roberts tackled season six runner-up Brooke Scullion’s -inspired Paso Doble
Gourounlian said his performance proved he was “not a one-trick pony”.
“You were commanding… bravo,” he commented. He scored 46.
Olympian Philip Doyle took on season two champion Jake Carter’s contemporary ballroom with former professional dance partner — and now fiancée — Karen Byrne.
“This dance has so many special memories for me,” Byrne commented. “I loved how you put your own spin on it and made it your dance. That was absolutely unreal.”
“That was phenomenal," Redmond said, noting he believed tonight the rower had become "a real contender" for the glitterball.
He scored 48.
Unfortunately, this celebratory episode still had to end with an elimination. Jordan Dargan faced Stephanie Kelly in the dance-off, with Dargan ultimately pulling through.
“I got so much more out of this than I thought… I’d recommend anyone do it. It’s deadly,” Kelly said.
- Dancing with the Stars continues Sundays on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 6:30pm
