Northern Ireland

Co Down reality star Matthew McNabb confirmed as RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars contestant

Co Down reality star Matthew McNabb has been confirmed as one of the contestants on Dancing with the Stars. Picture by RTÉ
Co Down reality star Matthew McNabb has been confirmed as one of the contestants on Dancing with the Stars. Picture by RTÉ Co Down reality star Matthew McNabb has been confirmed as one of the contestants on Dancing with the Stars. Picture by RTÉ

CO Down reality star Matthew McNabb has been confirmed as one of the contestants for RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars.

The Downpatrick man, who appeared on this year's series of Love Island, said he was "looking for a new challenge in 2022".

Alongside rugby player Jordan Conroy, the two men were confirmed as the final two celebrities to take to the dance floor when the RTÉ One competition returns next month.

Presenters Jennifer Zamparelli and Nicky Byrne will be back at the helm, with judges Loraine Barry and Brian Redmond joined by new judging panel member - dancer and choreographer Arthur Gourounlian.

Mr McNabb, a strategic marketing consultant and former GAA player for Russell Gaelic Union in Downpatrick, found fame in the Love Island villa.

The 26-year-old said he was "really excited to join the show".

"I love an adventure and when the opportunity to learn to dance came along it seemed like a great challenge to start off the New Year," he told Zamparelli on RTÉ 2fm.

"I've always wanted to learn to dance, so why not do it on live television?"

Mr Conroy, who will swap his rugby boots for dancing shoes, also said he is definitely "in it, to win it".

"I'm really excited to put my dancing skills to the test and looking forward to swapping out rugby boots for the shiny dancing shoes," he said.

"It will definitely be a change of scenery, I can't wait to have fun with it and learn different dances - I do love a good boogie.

"I have to say there's a winning mentality and I'm in to win."

McNabb and Conroy will join Cathy Kelly, Neil Delamere, Ellen Keane, Aengus Mac Grianna, Grainne Seoige, Nicolas Roche, Erica Cody, Missy Keating, Billy McGuinness and Nina Carberry in the line-up.