The star has been a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars for seven seasons, since 2017 and is making her judging debut this season and fans are loving it
Karen Byrne is making her debut as the newest judge on Dancing With The Stars this season, and fans of the show have plenty to say about her appointment.
The star has been a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars for seven seasons, since 2017, winning the impressive glitterball trophy twice and even finding love with her 2018 dance partner Jake Carter.
Viewers have been pointing out each week that Karen is the perfect addition to balance the judging panel.
Many point to her down to earth humour as their reason for favouring her appearances on the show, while others love her straight-talking constructive criticism.
"Isn’t @KarenDWTS an absolutely BRILLIANT addition to the #DWTSIrl judging lineup?!" said one viewer via social media platform X.
Another said: "Karen is actually a perfect addition to #DWTSIRL!"
A third added: "I must say I think Karen is a v good addition to the judging panel - WAY more encouraging to the celebs than the rest of them! Especially this early in the competition when they all need bigging up, cos for most of them, their confidence is SO fragile!"
Away from Dancing with the Stars, Karen has represented Ireland at international dance competitions, teaches at her own studio in Inchicore and has a weekly podcast, The Carter Couch, with Jake and his brother Nathan.
Speaking about her new role, Karen said: "I am absolutely delighted to join the judges panel for my eighth season of Dancing with the Stars. Having been lucky enough to win it twice and working with all my incredible dance partners, it will feel strange sitting on the other side of the desk."
"I can't believe it - I have to pinch myself! It doesn't feel real - I don't think it will feel real until I sit in the chair. I've always looked at the judges seats and thought that must be the best seat in the house. Oh my god, I get to hold a paddle!
"The Dancing with the Stars journey is the best, this show is in my veins - I absolutely love it. I feel so honoured to now be on the judges panel with the fabulous Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian. Let the madness commence."
Aishah Akorede, Gearóid Farrelly, Danny O'Carroll, Jack Woolley, Mickey Joe Harte, Elaine Crowley, Kevin Dundon, Kayleigh Trappe, Yasmin Seky, Rhys McClenaghan and Joanna Donnelly are all of the celebrities taking part in this years series.
Judge Loraine Barry is missing from this week's show, after the death of her mother Caroline earlier this week.
She announced the passing of her "much adored mam" and is taking time off from the celebrity dancing competition.
Dancing With The Stars airs Sunday nights at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
