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15th Jan 2019

RTÉ defends itself for casting Leaving Cert student Demi on DWTS

The Young Offenders actress is just 18.

Anna O'Rourke

RTÉ defends itself after DWTS contestant Demi reveals she's in Leaving Cert year

Dancing With The Stars is well and truly back – and RTÉ has already had to defend one of its casting choices for the series.

Viewers enjoyed week two of the show on Sunday night but many were shocked to learn that one of this year’s celebrities is a Leaving Cert student.

RTÉ defends itself after DWTS contestant Demi reveals she's in Leaving Cert year

Demi Isaac Oviawe, who’s best known for her role in hit show The Young Offenders, revealed on the show that she had to head to school in the morning after an evening of dancing.

She and her professional partner Kai Widdrington finished bottom of the leaderboard but the actress earned praise from many online for balancing her education with the competition.

RTÉ has defended Demi’s taking part in DWTS this year, saying that rehearsals had been arranged around her schedule.

“For Demi’s schedule, appropriate arrangements were discussed and agreed with Demi, her guardians and the school principal in advance,” it said in a statement to the Irish Independent.

“Demi, who is an actress, has learned how to balance school life while working on shows like The Young Offenders and this is something [for which] she has the full support of her family and school while pursuing her career.”