Following eleven dazzling shows filled with show-stopping moments, breathtaking dance routines, and plenty of drama, Newtownards gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and his dancing partner Laura Nolan emerged victorious as the winners of Dancing with the Stars 2025.
The triumphant duo looked visibly stunned as hosts Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy announced them as champions, with McClenaghan and Nolan expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Irish public for their unwavering support.
The final four couples to reach the grand finale after an electrifying season were Danny O'Carroll and Salome Chachua, Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas, Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov, and Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan.
The glittering finale of series eight of Dancing with the Stars kicked off in style with a mesmerising opening number performed by the professional dancers, finalists, and judges to the energetic tune of Everybody Dance by Cedric Gervais x Franklin feat. Nile Rodgers.
As the competition intensified, each couple took to the dance floor to perform their first routine of the evening - the Judges' Choice - which challenged them to repeat a dance from a previous week, reports RSVP Live.
Taking to the floor first was Mrs. Brown's Boys actor Danny O'Carroll and his partner Salome Chachua, who performed their captivating Charleston from week two to the catchy melody of Don't Blame it On Me by Michael Bublé.
Loraine Barry praised the pair, saying: "I feel the trust between you and Salome has built up over the past 10 weeks and that was obvious in all you did. You started a brilliant final."
Arthur Gourounlian added, "You smashed it and took it to the next level - I didn't even think that was possible. Unforgettable," Danny and Salome racked up a total of 39 points.
Following them, Taekwondo star Jack Woolley and his professional partner Alex Vladimirov revisited their week five performance with a dance dedicated to Jack's friend Kellie Harrington: an American Smooth to Grace by The Wolfe Tones.
Judge Brian Redmond exclaimed: "The big smiley head on me! I loved this dance tonight."
Karen Byrne was equally impressed, saying: "You really move people with this dance. I'm still not the better of seeing you dance to this song again. I forgot my tissues. This was dignified and amazing."
Jack and Alex earned a total of 40 points.
Hoping to win over the judges once more, social media sensation Kayleigh Trappe and her partner Ervinas Merfeldas performed their Love Week routine, a Salsa to Christina Aguilera's Let There Be Love.
Karen praised the couple, saying: "This dance showed how much you've grown your confidence is beaming. You have grown immensely."
Arthur added: "You have found your wings and you are flying. Proud of you,".
Kayleigh and Ervinas ended up with a total of 38 points.
Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan reprised his Movie Week role of Spider-Man, as he and his professional partner Laura Nolan danced the Charleston to the iconic theme tune.
Brian commented: "You played the hero tonight but you're also an Olympic champion. You have become a real life superhero,".
Loraine added: "It was exhilarating from start to finish. Fantastic."
Rhys and Laura received a perfect score of 40 from the judges.
After the voting lines were opened, each couple took to the floor for their Showdance - a freestyle performance that allowed them to blend different dance styles and showcase their creativity and skills honed throughout their Dancing with the Stars journey.
Danny and Salome danced to Rock this Party by Bob Sinclair. Loraine praised: "You rocked it and got the party going. There was so much to this. Truly slick."
Arthur added: "Time and time again you are force to be reckoned with. You have passion and fire. Well done."
The pair scored 37 points from the judges. Jack and Alex performed to Years and Years' rendition of Lady Gaga's anthem, The Edge of Glory. Brian enthused, "What a performance. You have that skill set, and you have waited until your final dance to show us what you can do."
And Karen told them: "Jack, we expected it to be unbelievable but it was brilliant, too!"
Jack and Alex scored a total of 40 from the judges. Kayleigh and Ervinas stormed the dance floor to the R3hab remix of Taylor Swift's Wildest Dreams.
Karen said: "What a tune, what a show dance! What a way to finish this journey!"
Arthur added: "You did it! Stunning!"
Kayleigh and Ervinas scored a total of 38 points.
Finally, Rhys and Laura took to the floor for the last time and danced to Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.
"You combined strength and softness. That was the outstanding show dance tonight," Loraine said.
Brian exclaimed: " Rhys, you came here tonight to do a job and I've got two words for you - job done!"
Rhys and Laura wowed the judges and bagged themselves a perfect score of 40.
The final wrapped up in style as all seven eliminated celebrities – Mickey Joe Harte, Elaine Crowley, Joanna Donnelly, Yasmin Seky, Gearóid Farrelly, Kevin Dundon, and Aishah Akorede – along with their pro partners, made a glorious return to the dancefloor, delivering a disco-infused performance to Kylie Minogue's hit, 'Wow.'
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