RTE's Dancing with the Stars will not go ahead in 2021

RTE have confirmed that Dancing with the Stars will not go ahead in 2021.

The reality show already had to move this year's final forward in the early stages of the pandemic hitting Ireland.

Taking to social media last night, the national broadcaster announced the news saying, "So sorry to announce that #DWTSIrl won’t go ahead in 2021 due to Covid-19. 

We hope to be back in 2022."

Speaking about the decision, Head of Entertainment at RTE, John McHugh said, "We are extremely disappointed not to be in a position to produce series five of Dancing with the Stars in 2021. 

"After much discussion, we feel the risks are too high with a production of this scale to proceed with the series in 2021 and we hope to revisit the show in 2022.

"We understand that the many fans of the series will be disappointed with this decision. However, given the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19 and our duty of care, we believe this decision is the right one.

"We will continue to work with Larry Bass and ShinAwiL on other projects and will be conducting ongoing discussions with them and the BBC to try and bring back Dancing with the Stars in 2022."

Host Nicky Byrne also commented on the announcement saying he was very "saddened" by the news but "I fully understand the decision taken and in order to protect our wonderful little country we must make these sacrifices."