Tullamore's Tolü set for 'Dancing with the Stars'
For the second time in recent years, Tullamore will be represented on RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars after it was announced that singer Tolü Makay will be among the contestants when the ninth series of the show returns in January.
Her involvement follows on from the previous participation of local Rugby Sevens international Jordan Conroy, who reached the show's final in 2022.
Tolü, a Nigerian-born singer who grew up in Tullamore, was one of three celebrities, along with Philip Doyle and Amber Wilson, who were announced as contestants on last Friday night's Late Late Show.
Commenting on her involvement, she said: "I'm excited to be part of Dancing with the Stars this season. I'm really looking forward to the challenge and seeing how my body responds and what I learn along the way.
"I've been craving something that’s challenging but still fun, and when Dancing with the Stars landed in my inbox it felt right to say yes.
"I'm looking forward to the glam. Getting my hair and makeup done, stepping into those dresses swishing and swooshing around the floor, I live for that! I love the theatre of getting ready for a show, so this is right up my alley.”
When asked about how her family responded, Tolü said: "My sister was so happy for me she couldn’t believe it. My cousin's first question was, 'Do you even know how to dance?' which made me laugh.
"The friends I've told are really proud and excited. I still have a few family members to break it to, but so far, the reactions have been kind, supportive, and hilarious," she added.
"I'd love to make it far enough to do a dedication night and a contemporary piece. More than any specific dance, I want to really understand my body to feel confident in how I move and find my rhythm.
"I think that will help my overall fitness, my confidence, and how I perform on stage in general. My pro partner is really smooth, very calm, professional, kind, funny and patient. I have no formal dance experience, especially with choreography or dancing with a partner.
"I’ve learned a few steps for music videos, but that’s about it. I'm a one-two-step type of girl and I can move to a beat but that’s about it. As a singer and performer, I’ve always wanted to really learn how to move, so I’m hoping Dancing with the Stars helps me feel more effortless and confident on stage."
The names announced so far for the upcoming series of Dancing with the Stars are Eurovision winner and singer Niamh Kavanagh, Paudie Moloney from The Traitors Ireland, reigning Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins, comedian and actor Michael Fry, Fair City actress Stephanie Kelly, television presenter Eric Roberts, Olympic medal winning rower and doctor Philip Doyle, Tolü Makay, podcaster Amber Wilson, Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin and Apprentice UK finalist Jordan Dargan.