Better Homes and Gardens landscaper Charlie Albone was pipped at the post by Olympic hurdler Sally Pearson in Sunday's dance-off to secure the last spot in the Dancing With The Stars Semi Final.
Barbie and Ken Christie Whelan Browne and Craig Monley stepped out of the toybox and came to life in their Cha Cha, scoring a total of 34 points. Sharna Burgess commented: "it was the most amazing way to start the show."
Pia Miranda’s Argentine Tango was sultry, but the judges scored her 24 points, believing it needed a stronger frame and more sexual chemistry.
Speedy Sally Pearson's footwork came unstuck as she raced through her Jive. Despite the dance being frenetic, Craig Revel-Horwood critiqued that her "weight needs to be over her toes."
Charlie Albone achieved redemption with his Rumba, delivering two lifts without a single drop. Scoring 17 points, Mark Wilson said "there's an awkwardness about you that's a bit Hugh Grant-like."
Virginia Gay was back on top of the leaderboard with 36 points for her role-reversed Quickstep, while Laura Byrne delivered a beautiful Foxtrot.
Todd McKenney said Phil Burton gave "both a great performance and showed great technical ability" with his Paso Doble, receiving 35 points.
Before the night was through, the audience votes changed everything, placing Charlie and Ruby, and Sally and Mitch in the dance off. Sally and Mitch performed a beautiful and technical waltz, while Charlie went all out, giving everything he had to his salsa.
The final leaderboard for the night:
- Virginia Gay and Ian Waite – 36
- Phil Burton and Ash-Leigh Hunter – 35
- Christie Whelan Browne and Craig Monley – 34
- Laura Byrne and Danil Saveliev – 28
- Sally Pearson and Mitch Kirkby – 27
- Pia Miranda and Declan Taylor – 24
- Charlie Albone and Ruby Gherbaz – 17
Next Sunday on Dancing With The Stars, it's the first Semi Final. Six couples will dance, but only three will survive. Who will make it through to the Grand Finale?
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