Model and beauty pageant champion Aishah Akorede, known for her grace and poise, is making waves on Dancing with the Stars. While she may not describe herself as fiercely competitive, she’s swift to clarify that she’s “not in it to win it” in a casual sense. Instead,she’s embracing the challenge with determination and a hunger to excel.
After a stellar performance in the show’s premiere, where she and her professional partner Robert Rowiński secured third place on the leaderboard, Aishah feels a renewed sense of confidence.“I feel more at ease now that we’ve done the first show,” she shared. “The positive feedback and our position on the leaderboard have added a bit of pressure, but it’s also fueling my drive to do even better.”
This Sunday, the duo will take the stage once again, this time performing a vibrant salsa to Deep Down by Alok, Ella Eyre, and Kenny Dope feat. Never Dull. Aishah, a former Miss Universe Ireland, is ready to elevate her performance. “I’m ready to turn it up a notch,” she said with a laugh. “The adrenaline is just so high, and I’m really excited.”
Despite her pageant background, which might suggest a cutthroat competitive streak, Aishah emphasizes that her focus is on personal growth. “People assume I’m vrey competitive because of my pageant history, but I’ve always enjoyed the journey more than anything,” she explained. “We’re going to make mistakes, but we’ll learn from them. that’s what excites me the most—though, of course, I do want to win!”
Balancing her Dancing with the Stars commitments with her academic pursuits, Aishah is currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in Law at the University of Law in England.“I do the classes online,usually in the studio on my breaks,” she revealed. Her disciplined approach extends to her finances as well. After winning £50,000 (€59,500) on the British series beauty and the Geek in 2022, she chose to invest in her education and save the rest. “I haven’t spent much of it—some is going toward my current degree, but I’m saving the rest. I’m very responsible most of the time,” she quipped.
Reflecting on her time on Beauty and the Geek, Aishah shared how the experience shaped her. “The Geeks on the show taught me a lot about myself,” she said. “It was hard seeing how out of touch they were with social situations.I used to struggle with social anxiety, but some of them had never even held a girl’s hand or hugged someone. Watching them grow behind the scenes was truly heartwarming.”
As she continues her journey on Dancing with the Stars, Aishah has invited her former co-stars to cheer her on. “A lot of them are going to come and watch it live if I’m still in it by week 4,” she said with a smile.
Fans can catch Aishah and Robert’s next performance on Dancing with the Stars, airing this Sunday at 6:30 pm on RTÉ one and RTÉ Player. With her blend of determination, grace, and a touch of humor, Aishah Akorede is undoubtedly a contestant to watch.
What draws Aishah to challenges that push her outside her comfort zone?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Aishah Akorede on Her Dancing with the Stars Journey, Ambitions, and Turning Down Love Island
by Archys, Archyde News Editor
In the world of glitz, glamour, and gravity-defying dance moves, Aishah Akorede is a name that’s quickly becoming synonymous with elegance and determination. the model, beauty pageant champion, and law degree holder has taken on a new challenge as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), and she’s already making headlines. archyde sat down with Aishah to discuss her journey on the show, her decision to turn down Love Island, and her aspirations beyond the dance floor.
Archyde: aishah, thank you for joining us. You’ve had an incredible start on Dancing with the Stars,securing third place in the premiere. How does it feel to be part of such a high-energy show?
Aishah Akorede: Thank you so much! It’s been an exhilarating experience. I’ll admit, I was nervous going into the first show, but the positive feedback from the judges and the audience has been overwhelming. It’s given me a renewed sense of confidence. I’m not hear to just participate—I’m here to challenge myself and grow.
Archyde: You’ve mentioned that you’re “not in it to win it” in a casual sense. Can you elaborate on what that means for you?
Aishah: Absolutely. For me, it’s not about the competition or the trophy. It’s about embracing the journey, pushing my limits, and learning something new.I’ve always been someone who thrives on personal growth, and DWTS is the perfect platform for that. Of course, I want to do well, but my focus is on enjoying the process and giving it my all.
Archyde: You’re partnered with Robert Rowiński, a seasoned professional dancer. How has that partnership been so far?
Aishah: Robert is incredible. He’s patient, talented, and has such a deep understanding of dance. I’m learning so much from him, not just about the technical aspects of dancing, but also about discipline and perseverance. We’ve built a great rapport, and I think that chemistry really comes through in our performances.
Archyde: Before DWTS, you were approached to join Love Island. What made you turn down that opportunity?
Aishah: (Laughs) Yes, that’s true. Love Island is a fantastic show, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.I’m someone who values personal and professional growth, and I felt that DWTS aligned more with my goals. Plus, I’ve always been drawn to challenges that push me out of my comfort zone.Dancing in front of millions of people? That’s definitely a challenge!
Archyde: You’re also pursuing a qualification in Chartered Governance while juggling your modeling career and now DWTS. How do you manage it all?
Aishah: It’s definitely a balancing act, but I thrive on being busy. I’ve always been passionate about education and self-improvement, so pursuing my Chartered Governance qualification is critically importent to me. Modeling and dancing are creative outlets that I love,but I also want to build a strong foundation for my future. Time management is key, and I’m fortunate to have a great support system around me.
Archyde: what’s next for you after DWTS?
Aishah: I’m taking things one step at a time, but I’m excited about the future. Weather it’s continuing to model, furthering my education, or exploring new opportunities in entertainment, I’m open to whatever comes my way.For now, though, my focus is on giving my best on DWTS and enjoying every moment of this incredible journey.
Aishah Akorede is a true embodiment of grace, ambition, and resilience. As she continues to shine on Dancing with the Stars, we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next. Stay tuned to Archyde for more updates on Aishah and other inspiring stories from the world of entertainment and beyond.
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