Donegal's Eric Roberts happily steals the spotlight on Dancing with the Stars

Donegal's Eric Roberts stole the spotlight on Dancing with the Stars on Sunday, delivering the highest-scoring performance of the night during the show’s Fright Night special.

Dancing a Charleston to Happy by Derek Martin with his professional partner Arianna Favaro, Eric, from Glen, impressed both judges and viewers, earning a season-leading score of 39 points and topping the leaderboard.

While Ireland AM presenter Eric celebrated a major high point in the competition, the night also marked the first Dance-Off of the season and the elimination of Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin, who became the fourth celebrity to leave the series. Anne and her professional partner Robert Rowiński received the lowest combined total from the judges’ scores and public vote after performing a Jive to “Can’t Tame Her” by Zara Larsson, which scored 14 points.

Reflecting on her time on the show, Anne said the experience had been “immersive, absorbing, challenging, difficult and exhilarating,” adding that she had “absolutely enjoyed every single minute” of the journey.

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Elsewhere on the night, Fair City star Stephanie Kelly and Ervinas Merfeldas scored 26 points for their Salsa, while The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan earned 23 points for their Paso Doble.

Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini impressed with 34 points for their Cha-cha-cha, while The Apprentice UK star Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott received 28 points for their Samba. Olympian rower Philip Doyle and Daniela Roze scored 33 points for their Tango, singer-songwriter Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba were awarded 37 points for their Contemporary Ballroom, and Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent picked up 31 points for their Paso Doble.

The show concluded with a professional group dance to “The Dead Dance” by Lady Gaga. Dancing with the Stars returns next week with Boy Bands v Girl Groups Night, airing on Sunday 15 February from 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.