RTE favourite Emily Barker has announced her shock exit from Dancing With the Stars after six years.
The 26 year old has been one of the show's pro dancers since it began six years ago, when Emily was just 20 years old.
Since then, she has won the show once, and made it to the show's final three times, pairing up with stars including Carl Mullan, Aidan Fogarty, Aengus Mac Grianna, Fred Cooke and Marty Morrissey.
Making the announcement on Instagram this week, Emily said: "Unfortunately I won’t be returning to @dwtsirl this year.
"I’ve had six wonderful seasons on the show since starting at age 18. I’ve given my absolute everything to the production for years and have loved every moment of helping my celebrities improve year on year.
"Thank you to all of my celebrity partners for trusting me and always giving me 1000 per cent effort in rehearsals.
"It’s been an amazing ride!!
"Three finals and a win later and I’m hanging up my dwts dance shoes for the foreseeable. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years.
"I’m ready to move on to this next chapter in my life, running my business and doing NEW THINGS. Watch this space".
Emily shared memories from her time on the show, from the incredible outfits and impressive dance moves with her partners to finally lifting the trophy.
Friends and fellow stars of the show were quick to flood Emily's Instagram with messages of support, and pay tribute admitting how much they would miss her.
RTE's Carl Mullan who won this year's show alongside Emily, wrote: "One of the greatest people I’ve ever got to know. Will always be so grateful for everything.
"Fully thought I’d get to about week 4 and then be gone but you believed in me from the very beginning and pushed me to do things I never EVER thought I’d be able to do.
"Thank you for putting up with my meltdowns, panic attacks and sheer clumsiness every week.
"So grateful for everything and for making a friend like you during DWTS. You’ll be missed so much next season.
"Congrats on an amazing six seasons and you’re bowing out as a champ".
While Jennifer Zamparelli added: "Oh god this is desperate news!! You will be so missed. Best of luck for the future you’re an absolute star".
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