The dust has settled on another season of Dancing with the Stars, and once again, it has not been short of drama, excitement and surprises. However, this year’s competition has delivered one of the biggest shocks in the show’s history, with 2FM’s Carl Mullan crowned as the winner. Despite being the first non-celebrity to compete in the show, Carl wowed audiences and judges alike with his seemingly effortless moves and infectious personality. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Carl’s journey to victory, and how he managed to overcome the odds to become the Dancing with the Stars champion of 2023.
The 11th season of Dancing with the Stars came to a thrilling conclusion with Carl Mullan and Emily Barker being crowned the winners of 2023. The victory came as a surprise for many as the charismatic 2FM presenter surpassed the bookies’ favourite Brooke Scullion and the early front-runners Suzanne Jackson and Damian McGinty. Mullan and Barker’s exceptional performances during the final received a combined score of 59 out of a possible 60, as the duo took the dancefloor by storm to be awarded the coveted Glitterball trophy. The victory was an incredibly emotional moment for Mullan, who was left speechless, while Barker expressed the shock of winning for the first time.
At the beginning of the competition, Mullan’s performance was regarded as lacklustre, and he seemed content with being the token cheeky chap. However, as the competition progressed, he improved his moves and became a potential contender for the top spot. Barker’s support and guidance played a significant role in Mullan’s progress, and the pair’s impressive performances during the final were praised repeatedly by the judges.
Their show dance performance to Ed Sheeran’s Celestial was the highlight of the night. A dedication to Mullan’s grandmother, who had passed away a year earlier, brought a heart-warming moment to the dancefloor. Brian Redmond’s praise was heartfelt as he applauded Mullan’s presence and acknowledged the multitude of grandchildren and families across the country that were watching.
The public vote determines the winner of Dancing with the Stars, and Mullan’s victory demonstrated that the show is more of a popularity contest than a dancing one. Despite consistently placing behind front-runners Scullion, Jackson, and McGinty, Mullan’s underdog story and his humble and enthusiastic personality undoubtedly won the hearts of the viewers. His victory was a fairytale ending to an incredible journey that saw him evolve into an accomplished dancer.
The season’s new presenter, Doireann Garrihy, was a revelation on the show. She held her own against the returning presenter Jennifer Zamparelli and complemented her perfectly as they took on the hosting duties.
With production costs considered steep, the future of Dancing with the Stars remains uncertain, and RTÉ has cut back a week from the latest season to reduce costs. A seventh series is yet to be approved, and if this marks the end of the road for the show, then it bows out with one of its biggest shocks in its history.
In conclusion, Dancing with the Stars 2023 was a season full of emotional moments, intricate and captivating dances, and surprising twists. Mullan and Barker emerged as victors, providing viewers with an unforgettable moment that validated their journey on the show. While there may be uncertainty about the show’s future, fans of the show can relive the last season’s memories and celebrate the triumph of Carl Mullan and Emily Barker.
As the ballroom lights dim on Dancing with the Stars 2023, it’s clear that this season was one for the history books. From the dazzling routines to the dramatic eliminations, each week kept viewers on the edge of their seats. And while many talented celebrities graced the dance floor, it was 2FM’s Carl Mullan who shocked audiences by taking home the mirrorball trophy.
Mullan proved that he was more than just a radio personality or a contestant on a reality show, as he showed incredible grit and determination throughout the entire competition. His transformation from a novice dancer to a graceful performer who could command the stage was nothing short of awe-inspiring. And despite being the underdog in most people’s eyes, he managed to captivate judges and audiences alike with his charisma, talent, and rhythm.
As we look back on Dancing with the Stars 2023, it’s clear that Carl Mullan’s win was a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. He proved that anyone can achieve greatness with a little bit of determination, and that anything is possible if you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk.
So here’s to Carl Mullan, the newest champion of Dancing with the Stars, and to all the contestants who lit up our screens with their passion, enthusiasm, and grace. We can’t wait to see what next season has in store, but for now, we’ll keep on dancing to the beat of our own drums.
