The much anticipated Irish version of Strictly Come Dancing (Dancing with the Stars as the format is called outside of the UK) has found its host, it appears.
According to the Irish Sun, Amanda Byram is set to present the dancing series, which kicks off on Sunday, January 8th on RTÉ One. There was speculation that Vogue Williams would get the gig but a source told the newspaper; "Vogue would have been brilliant doing this on RTÉ2 but Dancing With The Stars airs on RTÉ One on Sunday nights".
Apparently RTE feared Vogue would be "too young and might alienate the older audience of middle Ireland watching on Sunday nights. It’s a Glenroe audience".
Adding; “Amanda started off on Ireland AM seventeen years ago so Middle Ireland would have grown up with her but she also has massive experience on big TV shows in the US and UK."
Amanda has previously hosted American reality shows Paradise Hotel’, ‘The Swan’ and ‘Entertainment Tonight’ as well as UK shows Total Wipeout’ on BBC and Channel 4’s ‘Big Breakfast’.
It was also thought that Nicky Byrne might have got the Dancing with the Stars presenting gig, however a second host could yet be announced.
Earlier in the week it was also reported that Big Brother runner-up Hughie Maughan would be a contestant on the show, but RTE have yet to confirm any of the contestants or indeed presenters.
No smoke without fire though, ey? We'll keep you updated.