April 03

Discovery can today reveal the nine celebrities competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy in the highly anticipated new season of
Dancing with the stars NZ. The star-studded celebrity cast is set to bring glitz, glamor and glorious dancing to Three and ThreeNow audiences when the hit show premieres in April.

After months of speculation, the celebrities who have come to our screens to win over Kiwi viewers are reality TV star Alex Vaz, award-winning broadcaster Brodie Kane, former professional boxer David Letele and comedian and co- host of The Edge Breakfast Eli Matthewson. They will be joined by two-time Olympic medalist Eric Murray, author and mental health advocate Jazz Thornton, accomplished broadcaster and journalist Kerre Woodham, stand-up comedian Rhys Mathewson and actor and TV presenter Sonia Gray.

Winning trophies on home soil is nothing new for famed Olympian Eric Murray. Half of New Zealand’s “Golden Pair” alongside Hamish Bond, the world champion rower is a two-time Olympic medalist loved by Kiwis for his sense of humor and down-to-earth style. Can Eric glide across the dance floor as easily as he moves through the water to claim victory once again? Eric will dance with old
Dancing with the stars NZ champion Loryn Reynolds, as she tries to repeat her winning formula and drags Eric to victory.

Broadcaster Brodie Kane is used to the media spotlight, having hosted The Hits Breakfast, been a sportscaster on Breakfasttraveling journalist on Seven Sharpand journalist on
just go. She now hosts two popular podcasts, The Unbroken Girls and Kiwi Son. Her stint in the New Zealand Army and work with Surf Life Saving NZ means she’s fit for the role, but will it be enough to dance through to the final and win the Mirrorball trophy? Brodie will be partnered with dancer and professional Latin teacher Enrique Jones.

Comedian, TV presenter and co-host of The Edge Breakfast, Eli Matthewson will be teaming up with ballroom veteran Jonny Williams. As a two-time Billy T Award nominee, two-time Auckland Fringe Best Comedy winner and The Fred Award Best New Zealand Comedy winner, Eli is a staple of the local comedy scene – but he’ll need more than jokes to sashay his way to a win.

Activist, author and award-winning filmmaker Jazz Thornton isn’t afraid to step foot in the water. Jazz is a tireless advocate for those struggling with mental health, and the suicide prevention organization Jazz co-founded has earned her praise from none other than Queen Elizabeth II. Partnered with professional dancer Brad Coleman, will the courage and determination of this young New Zealander of the Year see jazz cha-cha-ing for change until the end?

Alex Vaz is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on both
Isle of sorrow and The NZ Bachelorette. This time, instead of fighting for someone’s heart, the South African-born tech engineer is hoping for the winning title. Alex will be paired with professional dancer Brittany Coleman, who has been comfortable on the dance floor since she was a little girl. Health and fitness guru Alex may be used to heating things up on screen, but can this fluid player fire up the dance floor?

Beloved host Kerre Woodham is a woman of many talents – an accomplished journalist, radio host, author and columnist. A familiar face from shows such as just go,
night line, heartland and Intrepid Journeys, we know this talkback host can talk, but can she get into the beat? Kerre will be paired with Nelsonian dancer Jared Neame who brings over 15 years of dance experience to the table.

Recognized by many as “Brown Buttabean”, David Letele is a retired professional boxer. These days, David is known for his motivational speeches and his tireless work in the community to tackle obesity among Maori and Pacific people in New Zealand, and for providing education to enable them to choose a way of life. healthy and active life. David is about to dance with award-winning ballroom beauty Kristie Williams, can this duo waltz to success?

Sonia Gray has graced New Zealand television screens for over two decades, including as a Lotto presenter for 15 years. Fans will also recognize her from iconic Kiwi productions, including Xena: Warrior Princess,
Shortland Street, Sione’s wedding and Loverand in 2021 she starred in the Netflix movie
The royal treatment. Sonia will be joined twice
Dancing with the stars NZ winner Aaron Gilmore. Will this pair have what it takes to impress the judges and the audience?

Comedian Rhys Mathewson has performed around the world and won just about every award New Zealand comedy has to offer. A regular on 7 days, Seven Sharp and Did you pay attention?, Rhys will dance with Phoebe Robb, Latin and Ballroom champion. Does this comedian have the fancy footwork to dominate on the dance floor?

After a false start in 2020 and again in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the all-new season of Dancing with the stars NZ will provide a much-needed dose of sparkle across Aotearoa. Audiences will be thrilled to follow nine celebrity contestants as they make their grand entrance into the famed ballroom to compete for the title.

Guiding viewers through all the twists and tears of live TV dance floor competition will be longtime and much-loved dance host Sharyn Casey, alongside TV and radio personality Clint Randell . The jury of
Dancing with the stars NZ will be announced in the coming weeks.

Dancing with the stars NZ has raised over $1 million over the past two seasons on Three (2018 and 2019), with celebrities lining up with their charity of choice and the public contributing money via SMS voting or individual contributions.

This season’s show will be filmed under strict health and safety protocols in accordance with current government regulations regarding COVID-19.

Dancing with the stars is a BBC Studios format produced by Discovery. The hit BBC format is licensed in 60 countries, with more than 350 series broadcast worldwide to date.

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