After 11 spectacular shows filled with glitz and glamour, highs and lows and captivating dances along the way, Rhys McClenaghan and his pro partner Laura Nolan have been crowned the winners of Dancing with the Stars 2025.
Commenting on winning season eight and taking home the coveted Glitterball trophy, Rhys said: "I don't know [how I feel]. I don't have any words!"
The final four couples to reach the final were Danny O'Carroll and Salome Chachua, Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas, Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov and Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan.
The grand finale of season eight of Dancing with the Stars opened with a dazzling number from the pro-dancers, finalists and judges to Everybody Dance by Cedric Gervais x Franklin feat. Nile Rodgers.
The competition kicked in as the couples took to the floor for their first dance of the evening; the Judges’ Choice, which tasked each couple with performing a routine from a previous week.
First on the floor tonight was Mrs. Brown’s Boys actor, Danny O’Carroll and his partner Salome Chachua. The pair danced their Charleston from week two to Don’t Blame It On Me by Michael Bublé.
Watch: Danny O'Carroll and his partner Salome Chachua dance a Charleston to Don't Blame It On Me
Loraine says: "I enjoyed it the first time round but tonight you're more chilled and relaxed. I feel the trust between you and Salome has built up." It's a 9 from Loraine.
Brian says: "Right the way through it was better in so many small different ways. More fluid, more energetic . . . great start!" Brian awards 10.
Arthur says: "You smashed it. You took it to the next level. That was electrifying and unforgettable." It's a 10 from Arthur.
Karen says: "I was dying to see this again. You deserve your place in the final. It was slick. Well done." It's a 10 from Karen.
Danny and Salome scored a total of 39 points.
Next up, Taekwondo athlete, Jack Woolley and his pro-partner Alex Vladimirov threw it back to week five with their Dedicated Dance to Jack’s friend Kellie Harrington: an American Smooth to Grace by The Wolfe Tones.
Watch: Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov dance an American Smooth to Grace by The Wolfe Tones
Loraine says: "You have touched the heart of everyone watching. It was gentle, pure and heartwarming." It's a 10 from Loraine.
Brian says: "The big smiley head on me! I loved this dance tonight." Brian awards 10.
Arthur says: "Watching you dance to one of the most iconic Irish songs was amazing. You shone bright. This wasn't just a great dance, this will go down in DWTS history as the best ever!" It's a 10 from Arthur.
Karen says: "You really move people with this dance. I'm still not the better for seeing you dance to this song again. I forgot my tissues. This was dignified and amazing." Karen says 10.
Jack and Alex scored a total of 40 points.
Social media star Kayleigh Trappe and her partner Ervinas Merfeldas were hoping to recapture the judges’ adoration a second time around with their routine from Love Week, a Salsa to Christina Aguilera’s Let There Be Love.
Watch: Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas dance a Salsa to Christina Aguilera's Let There Be Love.
Loraine says: "Tonight you've come out shining. You've gone into those lifts with less fear." Loraine awards them 9 points.
Brian says: "Tonight is the final it's all or nothing and you have come our giving it your all. You deserve your place in the final." Brian says 9 points.
Arthur says: "You have found your wings and you are flying. Proud of you!" Arthur awards 10 points.
Karen says: This dance showed how much you've grown, your confidence is beaming. You have grown immensely." Karen awards 10 points.
Kayleigh and Ervinas scored a total of 38 points.
Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan reprised his Movie Week role of Spider-Man, as he and his professional partner Laura Nolan danced the Charleston to the iconic theme tune.
Watch: Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan danced the Charleston to the Spider-Man theme tune.
Loraine says: "It was exhilarating from start to finish. Fantastic." Loraine says 10 points.
Brian says: You played the hero tonight but you're also an Olympic champion. You have become a real life superhero." 10 from Brian.
Arthur says: You did it! It was one person who could see his way to the final, it's you." He awards them 10 points.
Karen says: "Rhys, you're the real life Irish Spider-Man. I'm lost for words. Pure and utter perfection." She says 10 points.
Rhys and Laura scored a total of 40 from the judges.
After the voting lines opened, it was down to business, as each couple performed their Showdance - a freestyle performance that allowed them to combine different dance styles and showcase the creativity and skills they developed throughout their Dancing with the Stars journey.
Watch: Danny O'Carroll and Salome Chachua's show dance to Rock this Party by Bob Sinclair.
Danny O’Carroll and Salome Chachua danced to Rock this Party by Bob Sinclair.
Loraine says: "You rocked it and got the party going. There was so much to this. Truly slick." It's a 9 from Loraine.
Brian says: "You've summed yourself up as a person. It was full off determination and character." He says 9 points.
Arthur says: "Time and time again you are force to be reckoned with. You have passion and fire. Well done." He awards them 9.
Karen says: "You have set the standard for the show dances." She says 10 points.
Danny and Salome scored a total of 37 from the judges.
Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov performed to Years & Years’ version of Lady Gaga’s anthem The Edge of Glory.
Watch: Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov's show dance to the R3hab remix of Taylor Swift's Wildest Dreams.
Loraine says: "The electricity runs through you and you give it your all." She says 10 points.
Brian says: "What a performance. You have that skill set and you have waited until your final dance to show us what you can do." Brian awards them 10 points.
Arthur says: "Jack and Alex, I have no words left to say. You will be remembered forever on this show." It's a 10 from Arthur.
Karen says: "Jack, we expected it to be unbelievable but it was brilliant, too!" Karen says 10.
Jack and Alex scored a total of 40 from the judges.
Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas stormed the dancefloor to the R3hab remix of Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams.
Loraine says: "You absolutely went for it tonight and everything has improved. Just gorgeous!" Loraine says 9.
Brian says: "It's a show dance, not a show off! Excellent, well done." It's a 9 from Brian.
Arthur says: "You did it! Stunning!" He says 10.
Karen says: "What a tune, what a show dance! What a way to finish this journey!" Karen awards them 10 points.
Kayleigh and Ervinas scored a total of 38 points.
Finally, Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan took to the floor for the last time and danced to Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.
Watch: Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan’s show dance to Beautiful Things by Benson Boone.
Loraine says: "You combined strength and softness. That was the outstanding show dance to tonight." Loraine awards them 10.
Brian says: "Rhys, you came here tonight to do a job and I've got two words for you - job done!" It's a 10 from Brian.
Arthur says: "Wow! That really hit me hard. Flawless." It's a 10 from Arthur.
Karen says: "How do I comment on that? What a way to finish. Beautiful!" She awards them 10.
Rhys and Laura scored a total of 40 from the judges.
Wrapping up the final, all seven eliminated celebrities: Mickey Joe Harte, Elaine Crowley, Joanna Donnelly, Yasmin Seky, Gearóid Farrelly, Kevin Dundon and Aishah Akorede and their pro partners returned to the dancefloor with a disco-fuelled groove to Kylie Minogue’s Wow.
