SAME-SEX couples are set to appear on Dancing With the Stars for the very first time ahead of this Saturday's show.
Brian Dowling will pair up with Kai Widdrington while Lottie Ryan and Emily Barker have been put together as part of the show's historic switch-up week.
The move is a first for the dance series, both in Ireland and the UK.
It will be the first time the show has seen same-sex couples dancing together (Credit: Dancing With the Stars - Twitter)Dowling told RTE that he was honoured to be part of the first all-male couple on the show.
"This is about visibility and starting a conversation," he said.
"Myself and Kai can now dance on the biggest entertainment show on Irish television, I think that is phenomenal.
"Someone always needs to be the first. It has taken a long time to get Ireland here and I'm chuffed that I can be part of that.
"This is celebrating the fact that two guys can dance together on national television. I will be emotional on the night.
"I'm an out gay man and I'm married, and this is really important to me," added the former Big Brother star.
2FM presenter Lottie Ryan, who is due to be part of the first all-female couple, said: "For a prime time family show to be so progressive and inclusive is an honour to be part of.
To dance with ANY of the amazing pros is an incredible opportunity.I’ve watched @emilybarkerwork on my telly for years,I can’t wait to share the floor with her! & she just happens to be a woman.For a prime time family show to be so progressive+inclusive is an honour to be part of pic.twitter.com/HRLg4goCst
— Lottie Ryan (@LottieRyan1) February 6, 2020
"To be given the chance to dance with any of the amazing pros is an incredible opportunity.
"Emily is someone who I've watched on my telly for years admiring, so I can't wait to share the floor with her."
Larry Bass, Executive Producer at production company ShinAwil said the news marks a "historic" moment for Irish TV.
"Dancing with the Stars is an inclusive show and we are proud to feature two same sex couples in this week’s programme.
"The pairings between our celebrities and pro partners mark an historic moment for Irish television and it’s a positive representation of our diverse society.
"It’s something we have wanted to do for some time and Brian Dowling’s dream gave us the opportunity to make it happen."
Due to the overage of the General Election on Sunday, Dancing with the Star's usual slot has been moved to Saturday evening, but will remain in RTE One.
