Inside Dancing With The Stars' Karen Byrne's love story with Jake Carter and amazing dance career

Karen Byrne has been a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars for seven seasons since 2017. The dancer has found huge success on the show, winning the impressive glitterball trophy twice and even finding love with her 2018 partner on the show!

Although the Dublin native was a fan-favourite dancer, she has now been given another position in the show for 2025, she will be appearing as a judge.

Here's a glimpse into her personal life away from the stage.

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Finding love with Jake Carter

Karen found love on DWTS with her partner Jake Carter when the singer and the professional dancer were paired together on the second season of Dancing with the Stars back in 2018 - five months after the series ended, they went public with their relationship.

Jake Carter has since admitted he fancied his pro partner Karen Byrne when they were paired together on Dancing with the Stars, but it was a few months before he made his move on her.

After the series finished in 2018, the singer realised he missed seeing her: "I always liked her" Jake said, while Karen explained: "He definitely liked me quicker than I liked him. When I am on the show, I am very much in teacher mode.

"I wouldn't have been thinking of him like that. It was when we finished the show that I missed seeing him every day; that is when I knew I liked him."

Jake lived with his brother, country music star Nathan Carter, before moving in with Karen, and she told the RTÉ Guide: "You know what? Jake is very domesticated now. I think he did all the housework when he was living with Nathan.

"I did have to teach him how to cook but he does all the washing and cleaning with us."

The choreographer continued: "I'm a procrastinator and Jake is more 'Let's just do it.' He's pushed me to do stuff I would never have done.

"Were very supportive of each other and I think that's why it works. I want to see him achieve and vice versa. I still feel like the relationship is only new, the time has flown.

"I always wonder what would have been had we not met on the show."

Jake added: "We should have our wedding on the show.

"Have the judges give us scores as we walk down the aisle."

Becoming a judge on DWTS

It’s time to get ready to face the music, as Dancing with the Stars will soon be back on screens and this season will be very different for Karen Byrne.

RTÉ announced on Sunday that Karen will be joining the judging panel alongside longstanding judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian.

Karen is beyond excited to take on the show from “the other side of the desk”. The Dublin native 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 judge’s seats and thought that must be the best seat in the house. Oh my god I get to hold a paddle!

“The DWTS 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… please can it be January already?”

Career away from the ballroom

As well as appearing on the popular dancing show, Karen has represented Ireland at international dance competitions, has her own dance studio in Inchicore, and co-hosts a co-host with her partner Jake and his famous brother Nathan.

The podcast is called The Carter Couch, and the trio record it weekly.

Head judge Loraine has said she is “thrilled” to have Karen on the judging panel next year. She said: “I’m thrilled to be heading into season eight of DWTS Ireland especially as we welcome the two-time champion Miss Karen Byrne to the judging panel. Karen is fresh off the dance floor into the judging seat, and I look forward to working with her.”

Arthur also praised the dancer, saying: “What can I say about the incredible Karen? After watching her grace the dance floor with pure magic for three seasons, I’m beyond thrilled to now share the judging panel with her. It’s going to be absolutely electrifying!

“Now, let’s be honest… the biggest question of the season might just be: who’s going to win the battle of the biggest hair? Stay tuned. It’s going to be an unforgettable ride.”

DWTS will return to our screens on January 7th 2025.