Ever since it was announced that RTE were going to do Ireland's answer to Strictly Come Dancing, there has been speculation as to who would land the coveted hosting gig. Rumours had abounded that Amanda Byram was going to get it, while Nicky Byrne was also in the running.

It's been confirmed this morning on RTE Radio One however that both Amanda and Nicky will be presenting the celebrity talent show.

"I'm so excited! I'm really really delighted," Amanda told Ryan Tubridy.

"It was literally a no-brainer for me. I've been looking for an opportunity over the years to come back to Ireland to host shows. Everybody is always asking me but the timing has never been right."

 

Amanda, who 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’, said in a statement on her website; 

"I am very excited to announce that after 16 years I am making a return to Irish TV, taking the helm on RTE’s brand new ‘Dancing With The Stars’.

I know there have been rumours circulating that I may be hosting, but up until today I wasn’t able to confirm if my schedule would allow me to be involved in the show or not…. so now I can finally officially announce that I WILL be stepping into Brucie’s twinkle-toed shoes!!

Working back on Irish soil, while being close to my family again is the perfect scenario. It will be a busy few months with lots of other projects happening overseas as well… (no rest for the wicked eh?!)

I am also delighted that I get to work with the lovely Nicky Byrne. Having taken part in the UK version of the show, he will be well up to speed on his Tango and his Waltz and will know what our contestants are going through each week.

For years I have been looking for the right project to bring me back to Irish TV and as soon as I was offered the role on ‘Dancing With The Stars’ I didn’t hesitate. The team and I are really looking forward to entertaining the nation by combining a much loved format with a uniquely Irish spin (no pun intended!) on Jan 8th.

Until then….Keeeeeep Dannncinnnnng!

A x"

As Amanda said above, former Westlife star and 2FM radio presenter Nicky Byrne actually has first-hand experience of the show already, as he was a contestant on the 2012 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

"This is my Late Late Show," he told Ryan.

"This is the show I love and to be a part of it is very very exciting."

There's no official confirmation yet on who the celebrities taking to the dance floor will be, but it's rumoured that this year's Big Brother runner-up Hughie Maughan will be taking part, and sure you never know, maybe some of this lot?

The spin-off show 'Can't Stop Dancing' is set to be hosted by Blathnaid Treacy on Friday nights.

Dancing with the Stars kicks off on Sunday, January 8th.