On the evening of last Saturday, October 4, Telecinco aired one of the most anticipated television events of autumn 2025. Irene Rosales made her return to the popular show ‘Bailando con las estrellas.’ It was her first public appearance following her highly publicized breakup with Kiko Rivera last summer, which ended their relationship of over a decade. The Seville-born model and influencer took to the dance floor as a special guest, capturing the full attention of the audience.
Before her performance, Irene told host Jesús Vázquez that she joined the show to have fun and take her mind off things. She explained she had never danced before, but that this was a moment in her life when she needed to try something new, experience fresh emotions, and take on new challenges. In her words, it’s a great way to clear her head of lingering problems and simply enjoy the moment, turning a new page.
For her debut as a ‘one-night dancer,’ Rosales chose an energetic cha-cha-cha to Marta Sánchez’s song ‘Soy yo.’ The song choice did not go unnoticed. Judge Pelayo Díaz pointed out that it was more than just a song, calling it a true ‘statement of intent.’ Indeed, through her dance, Irene seemed to declare her independence and strength. Her performance impressed both the audience and the judges so much that they suggested she consider joining the next season as a permanent contestant.
After the dance, having received congratulations from the jury, a delighted Irene admitted that she enjoyed herself on stage much more than during rehearsals. She felt that everything had already been decided, and simply gave herself over to the movement. At 34, she is ready to declare: “This is me, and I intend to live life to the fullest.” Taking to the dance floor has become for her a symbol of a new chapter, which she greets with optimism and a readiness for change.
However, the evening was filled with more than just dance surprises. Another intriguing encounter took place in the studio. Irene Rosales crossed paths with Anabel Pantoja, the cousin of her former husband. Journalists and the public have long speculated about tensions between them following Irene’s split with Kiko. But the women used this opportunity to dispel all the rumors.
They displayed a warm and friendly rapport, laughing a lot together during rehearsals and backstage. Irene commented that they see each other from time to time, though not as often as she’d like, since Anabel lives in the Canary Islands while she herself is in Seville. Viewers couldn’t help but notice their genuine affection, although the two, of course, did not delve into personal details of their family drama. This episode showed that both women have managed to maintain their respect for each other, leaving past conflicts behind.
