RTÉ defends itself for casting Leaving Cert student Demi on DWTS

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. 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.

@demiisaac is so underrated for the massive pressure she’s dealing with at the moment! Leaving cert alone is enough to knock most people’s spirits nevermind being able to do that and a live television dance contest and still being so energetic! #DemiForTheWin #DWTSIrl

— Darragh Buckley (@darraghbucks_) January 14, 2019

I can’t believe @demiisaac is studying for her Leaving Cert whilst taking part in @DWTSIRL . Just incredible. ? #DWTSIrl

— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) January 13, 2019

Demi Isaac Oviawe is doing Dancing with the Stars while also doing her Leaving Cert. Jaysus, I didn't even go to a Nathan Carter concert across the road from my house during my Leaving Cert. #DWTSIrl

— Edward Leonard (@newedleonard) January 13, 2019

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."