Dancing With the Stars Ireland judge Julian Benson will miss next two shows due to illness

Dancing With the Stars Ireland judge Julian Benson will miss the next two episodes due to illness.

The news was announced by an RTÉ spokesperson on Saturday. The broadcaster also announced that guest judge and creative director, Darren Bennett, will be joining Loraine Barry and Brian Redmond on the judging panel for the next two weeks. The full statement read:

"RTÉ can confirm that Julian Benson is unwell and will miss the next two shows of Dancing with the Stars.During his absence he will be replaced by guest judge and creative director Darren Bennett.

"On this Sundays show the 'dreaded dance off' returns. The bottom two couples will have to take to the dance floor for a second time and it’s the judges who will decide whether they stay or go."

Bennett has stood in at the judges table for Benson before, according to RTÉ. This weekend will see the return of the "dreaded dance off", where two couples will have to perform a second time - with the judges ultimately deciding who stays.   It comes as former Fair City star Johnny Ward is remaining the bookies favourite to claim the Glitterball trophy at the end of the series According to BoyleSports, the Dubliner is as short as 13/8. Country singer Cliona Hagan is at 2/1, while Mairead Ronan is the third favourite at 11/4.

• Dancing With the Stars Ireland will continue this Sunday at 6.30pm on RTÉ One.