RTE star Darren Kennedy will participate in the new series of Dancing With The Stars

RTE star, Darren Kennedy, has been confirmed as one of the celebrities participating in the third series of Dancing with the Stars.

The Irish Mirror may reveal that the 34-year-old presenter will attempt to win the glitterball trophy with professional dancer Karen Byrne, who won the competition earlier this year with singer Jake Carter.

A production source confirmed the pairing yesterday: "Darren is perfect for the show and everyone is happy for him.

"He and Karen are going to be great together. This already looks like another winning combination.

The source added: "The celebrities of the next series are currently in rehearsal and have already taken their promotional photos."

Rumors were rife when fashion designer Darren was caught with Karen as they headed to Dublin's Temple Bar this week.

According to the photographer, "the two men acted very shyly and tried to avoid being photographed together."

The Irish response to Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens in January, but RTE bosses keep their lips tight on the identity of those present before the full list of celebrities is officially unveiled next week.

Eilish O 'Carroll, star of Mrs. Brown & # 39; s Boys, and Jenny Dixon, of Fair City, would also be among the 11 stars wearing glitter and speaking after Christmas.

It is understood that Eilish, 66, better known as Winnie McGoogan in the sitcom, will be dancing with former dance partner Erin McGregor, Ryan McShane.

Professional dancer Karen, 26, from Dublin, will be looking to double her win after winning first place with Jake, Nathan Carter's younger brother, in March.

Both judges impressed judges Julian Benson, Loraine Barry and Brian Redmond with their sophisticated footwork and hot chemistry.

And last August, Jake, 20, explained to the Irish Mirror how that had turned into a novel, despite the age gap. He added, "We were good friends in the series and recently, I guess, things have taken a turn for the better.

"I was 20 in August, but I'm old enough to be honest. Age is only a number, as long as we are progressing, it is essential. "

Every Sunday, fans of Dancing with the Stars will be listening to the dance performance, which will be presented by 2FM presenters Nicky Byrne and Jennifer Zamparelli.

After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed last month that Zamparelli will succeed Amanda Byram as co-presenter of Byrne in the hit series.

This is not the first time that Darren Kennedy and Jennifer Zamparelli share a screen, they collaborated on the lifestyle show of RTE The Unemployables.