Naas model Alannah Beirne talks "Dancing With the Stars" and her incredible journey into the modelling industry

By Kim O'Leary Naas model Alannah Beirne, 24, dazzled judges at the weekend on “Dancing With the Stars Ireland” as she took to the stage to perform with her dance partner Vitali Kozmin, and the former Britain’s Next Top Model finalist didn’t appear to be nervous at all, taking it all in stride and giving a stellar performance of the classic waltz. However, Alannah was a late entrant for “Dancing With the Stars” and she was announced as the replacement for the injured Aoife Walsh, as the former Miss Ireland was forced to pull-out due to injury. Speaking to KildareNow, Alannah explained that she was on her way home for Christmas when she got the call. She says: “I was on my way back home for Christmas from London when I got the call. I was thrilled but obviously sorry for Aoife. I said yes without any hesitation.  I actually went for an interview with RTE a few months ago then Rosemary, my agent called to say they chose another girl. Not going to lie I was devastated but the day after got an opportunity to shoot in New York which picked me right back up!” For Dancing With the Stars, Alannah has been working and training with Estonian professional dancer Vitali Kozmin, who represented his home country in World and European Latin-American Championships. “Vitali is great, he really and truly is. It’s week three of knowing and working with him now, it’s been a challenge alright but I’m loving every second. He only wants to see me do well that’s why he’s strict and hard on me. Sunday night after the first live show he asked not to drink and go out with the rest of them. I took his word and got some rest (which was badly needed) feeling fresh on Monday I got so many interviews, shoots and local work done,” says Alannah, praising her dancing partner. She adds: “Vitali and I would rehearse as much as possible five days a week, 7-9 hours a day. Last week coming up to my solo performance we had to cancel two days and one of the days I was in rehearsals for 20 mins. Vitali had been sick.” But how is she finding learning new dance moves and performing in front of an in-studio audience? Alannah says: “I’m loving the dancing part of it, it’s great fun I’m feeling energetic and much fitter. The hardest part is keeping energetic throughout Saturday and Sundays in Bray studios, especially Sunday. We’re up at 6am, spending all day doing run through rehearsing getting hair, make up, interviews, so it’s high and low energy throughout the day. Come the show I’m absolutely exhausted, then there’s more interviews after. It’s mentally draining but the buzz of the show keeps me going.” However, Alannah does admit that the lifts can be tricky for her and her partner Vitali due to the height difference, although they sailed through the first show with an elegant waltz to the classic tune “Moon River”, earning a total of 20 points with three of the  judges Darren Bennett, Brian Redmond and Lorraine Barry praising the pair for their flawless performance. While the beautiful dresses and cameras are not an entirely new experience for Alannah, she reflects on her humble beginnings as she attempted to break into the modelling industry. Alannah says; “I worked in a pub called ‘Graces’ in Naas while I was studying visual merchandising and display in DIT. I always had a big interest in modelling but I wasn’t allowed go for it because my parents wanted me to finish my education.”   [caption id="attachment_203171" align="alignnone" width="377"] Biggest fan: Alannah and her proud mum Brenda Beirne behind the scenes at Dancing With the Stars Ireland 2018 @AlannahBeirne Twitter[/caption]     In 2017, Alannah appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model and she placed third overall, seriously impressing judges Abbey Clancy and Cindy Bishop who both hosted the show, as well as photographer Nicky Johnston and British male model Max Rodgers. Speaking of her time on the competition, Alannah says: “Britain’s Next Top Model was an amazing experience and if it was for that show I wouldn’t be on DWTS. It opened my eyes up to what the modelling industry is like. “ Meanwhile, in her spare time Alannah likes to paint and she also plays Irish music, as well as hanging out with her siblings and many friends. Alannah is the second of four children to her parents former Rose of Tralee Brenda and former garda Gerry, and they live in Eadestown, Naas. Alannah’s family have been a great support to her in her endeavours, and she says; “My family are delighted for me. My brother Tadhg who’ll be moving to Munster soon had also had a great run with rugby getting man of the match this weekend. They couldn’t be more supportive and proud. It’s great having their support though my DWTS journey I never had that luxury during BNTM as it was all pre-recorded and There we no phones, tv, music mags and diary’s allowed.” Alannah is hopeful that competing on “Dancing With the Stars Ireland” will help to raise here profile here in Ireland, and she may even make it all the way to the final. She says: “It’s definitely amazing exposure for me here in Ireland. Myself and Vitali are taking it once dance at a time. There are great dancers  in the competition so who knows. I’m just going to have fun.” Kildare people can help support Alannah and Vitali by voting for her via telephone by calling 1513717107 or text Alannah to 53125 or visit www.rte.ie/dwts