Irish television history will be made this Saturday night on RTÉ One, when Brian Dowling and Kai Widdrington, as well as Lottie Ryan and Emily Barker will take to the dancefloor as same-sex dance partners.

Following hot on the footsteps of ITV's 'Dancing On Ice', where Ian 'H' Watkins and his dancing partner Matt Evers have been skating up a storm, 'Dancing With The Stars' is set to be the first dancing show to feature two same-sex pairings.

Brian Dowling has spoken out about his new dance partner for this week, saying that he will be emotional on the night: "This is about visibility and starting a conversation. Myself and Kai can now dance on the biggest entertainment show on Irish television, I think that is phenomenal. Someone always needs to be the first. 

"It has taken a long time to get Ireland here and I'm chuffed that I can be part of that. This is celebrating the fact that two guys can dance together on national television.

"I will be emotional on the night. I'm an out gay man and I'm married, and this is really important to me."

Lottie Ryan will also be paired up with a dancer of the same-sex this week, and said she is honoured to be a part of the progressiveness of the show: "For a prime time family show to be so progressive and inclusive is an honour to be part of.

"To be given the chance to dance with any of the amazing pros is an incredible opportunity. Emily is someone who I've watched on my telly for years admiring, so I can't wait to share the floor with her."

Due to RTÉ’s Election 2020 coverage, this week’s 'Dancing with the Stars' will move to Saturday night at 6.35pm on RTÉ One.