New challenge for O'Shea and O'Kane

Comedians Bernard O’Shea and Deirdre O'Kane have signed up for the Irish version of Dancing With The Stars.

O’Shea  – a  stand-up,and RTE2FM radio presenter –  said he had such a fear of dancing that he skipped the first dance at his own wedding.

‘I’m feeling exceptionally nervous, but looking forward to the challenge,’ said O’Shea – whose credits include the sketch show Republic of Telly, and dating show My Best Shot, which he hosted in  2013.

He added: ‘ ‘If you were to ask me would you prefer to jump out of a plane without a parachute or dance on live television, I’d say how high is the aeroplane?

‘I think my dance partner will have her work cut out with me – but look, if she can make me dance, she can make anyone dance.’

The woman with that task is  last year's winning professional dancer, Valeria Milova.

The bookies don’t seem to rate her chances, with Paddy Power placing O’Shea as a 25/1 outsider to take the title.

O’Kane isn’t much better tipped, at 20/1. The Moone Boy star – who recently returned to stand-up after a long break from the circuit – will be performing with professional John Edward Nolan.

She said: ‘I’m excited and nervous but I can’t wait to take part. This is a whole new experience for me.’

However both will be hoping to win new fans from the experience as Susan Calman did on the UK version of the show, Strictly Come Dancing, last year.

Dancing with the Stars is at 6:30pm tonight on RTE One. Favourite to win is Anna Geary, a TV personality and former camogie player – a sport similar to hurling.

Published: 7 Jan 2018