Fans floored as Ireland AM star emerges as favourite to join RTÉ's Dancing With The Stars

Dancing With The Stars Ireland fans are still reeling after head judge Loraine Barry announced she is stepping down from the RTÉ hit after eight seasons.

The Dubliner, who has over 50 national and international ballroom titles to her name, confirmed the news in a post on Instagram.

"After eight wonderful seasons, I have decided it's the right time for me to stand down from my role as Head Judge on Dancing with the Stars Ireland," she wrote.

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"My heartfelt thanks goes to the viewers of all ages and indeed to everyone for their support over the years, but especially this year which was tough when my first love Andrew and my forever love, my Mother both passed away in January.

"I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to RTÉ and ShinAwil for the opportunity and would like to wish the team and new cast every success ahead. I shall miss you all."

Since joining the panel in 2017, Barry's wisdom and sparkle have helped make DWTS one of the most-watched shows on Irish television. Her exit leaves a sizeable gap alongside fellow judges Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian and Karen Byrne.

Now, speculation is mounting over who will fill her shoes when the show returns next year.

With such a high-profile role at stake, several names have already been floated, ranging from well-known personalities in Irish entertainment to those with strong dance credentials.

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And according to bookmakers Ladbrokes, one contender is already beginning to stand out.

Punters have been backing Cork-born podcaster and dancer Kevin Twomey, who has recently stepped into the spotlight as a part-time presenter on Ireland AM.

Twomey, who also co-hosts the hit podcast I'm Grand Mam, has odds of 4/1 to become the new DWTS judge.

Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: "Kevin Twomey is proving a popular presenter on Ireland AM in recent weeks. We could be seeing more of him in the new year, this time scoring the contestants on Dancing With The Stars."

While no official replacement has been confirmed, fans will be watching closely in the weeks ahead to see who takes the coveted seat vacated by Ireland's 'Queen of the Ballroom'.

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