Matthew’s DWTS start delayed after testing positive for Covid

Matthew’s DWTS start delayed after testing positive for Covid

12 January 2022

FANS of Love Island star Matthew MacNabb will have to wait until Sunday to see him take part in RTE’s Dancing With The Stars.

The Downpatrick man tested positive for Covid just a day before he was to make his debut on the show.

Matthew is the only dancer from Northern Ireland taking part in the programme. The 27-year-old will make his debut this weekend with professional partner Laura Nolan.

Matthew told the Recorder he’s determined to put the upset behind him and concentrate on the competition.

“I was disappointed that I couldn’t take part on the opening night but I’m buzzing to get going next weekend,” he said.

“I have been practicing my steps in my apartment. I return to practice on Thursday so hopefully I can nail it on Sunday.”

Despite his non-appearance, Matthew enjoyed the first show and now realises that he has a lot to prove.

He said: “I thought the opening show was so good and the teams were great, so I’m going to have to surprise a few people. 

“I can’t wait to get out there. We need to get as many votes as possible over the next few weeks. Hopefully we can progress and represent the North.”

A spokesperson for RTE confirmed Matthew’s expected return on Sunday.

It was a major set-back for his family and friends in Downpatrick who will be supporting him all the way in the high-profile show. 

It was also the second disappointment for the show as it was about to air.

The show’s professional dancer Laura Barker, who partners newsreader Aengus Mac Grianna, also tested positive.

It was a bad start to RTE One’s popular dance show after being off the air for two years due to pandemic.

Matthew, a fitness fanatic who now works as a digital content creator, is still relatively new to television, having appeared on ITV’s Love Island in the summer.

He may not have found love but he has found increasing fame.

Matthew has since secured tens of thousand’s of followers on his social media platforms as he advocates for positive mental health.

He’s the youngest son of local businessman Vincent MacNabb and his wife Margaret.

Matthew is guaranteed to have at least two appearances on the show as the public vote does not begin until week three.

Dancers also debuting this weekend with Matthew are Aslan guitarist Billy McGuinness, Paralympic gold medallist Ellen Keane, news reader Aengus Mac 

Grianna, singer Erica-Cody, and rugby sevens star Jordan Conroy.

Catch Matthew on his first live Dancing With The Stars show this Sunday at 6.30pm on RTE One.