Viewers react to 'phenomenal' Dancing with the Stars premiere

Online reactions were overwhelmingly positive to the premiere episode of RTÉ's Dancing with the Stars on Sunday night.

Presenting duo for the second consecutive year, Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy kicked off the seventh season of the hugely popular RTÉ celebrity dancing competition.

This years eleven contestants include Rosanna Davison, Eileen Dunne, David Whelan, Blu Hydrangea, Miriam Mullins, Laura Fox, Shane Quigley Murphy, Davy Russell, Katja Mia, Rory Cowan, and Jason Smyth.

Topping the leaderboard after the first night is RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner Blu Hydrangea and new pro dancer Simone Arena on 24 points, while Mrs Brown's Boys actor Rory Cowen is at the bottom with 11 points.

Viewers took to social media to express their reactions, with clear favourites already emerging.

I have a disability so watching @smyth_jason reminds me that ability & determination can overcome any limitation. Continuing to break down barriers, way to go. In safe hands with Karen Byrne...... #DWTSIRL

— Anthony Shannon (@AnthonyShannon2) January 7, 2024

Paralympic champion Jason Smyth received much acclaim online for his foxtrot with partner Karen Byrne, with many praising him for being a positive force for disablity recognition.

Fantastic performance @smyth_jason with @KarenDWTS , Jason a superstar athlete & now the dance floor. Full credit to #DWTSIRL creating opportunity for everyone, The Jason & Sharon duo will show the ability & creativity to overcome other challenges. https://t.co/WB7f1pKhTN

— Martin Conway (@conwayforclare) January 8, 2024

Former RTÉ newscaster Eileen Dunne, who was declared an "icon" by judge Arthur Gourounlian, also came in for high praise on social media, including some loving quips from some of her former RTÉ coworkers.

Well DUNNE Eileen
It’s a rollercoaster! Enjoy the ride @DWTSIRL #dwts @eileendunne123 #dwtsirl @RTEOne @RTE_GUIDE pic.twitter.com/uezrcA8WCv

— Teresa Mannion (@TeresaMannion) January 7, 2024

For one viewer however, they had their eyes on a prize beyond the glitterball trophy.

And remember Irish Twitter, #Dwtsirl is a mere aperitif before the main course of #RoomtoImprove later pic.twitter.com/kQmzsOK4se

— Urlofcork (@urlofcork) January 7, 2024

All votes from shows one and two will carry forward to the third week, at the end of which, the first couple will be eliminated on Sunday, January 21.

Catch Dancing with the Stars on Sundays at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.