It was a dazzling night of celebrities and sequins as Dancing With The Stars returned to Channel 7 and 7plus, with hosts Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown ushering in a fresh season of glitz, glamour and fierce competition.
After introducing the 12 celebrities competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, the hosts split them into two groups – each set to hit the dance floor on alternate weeks – with six couples showcasing their moves in tonight’s premiere episode.
AFL Champion Trent Cotchin and partner Jess Raffa opened the night with an assertive tango, earning a score of 21. While judge Sharna Burgess praised it as a great start, Craig Revel Horwood thought it “lacked any form of passion”.
Brittany Hockley, podcaster and radio host, performed a cha-cha-cha with Craig Monley, also scoring 21. The judges acknowledged her nerves but saw clear potential, with Mark Wilson calling her “vivacious”, while Craig likened her to “a drunk girl lost at a party”.
Olympic boxer Harry Garside and partner Siobhan Power delivered a dynamic jive, complete with impressive lifts that had judge Mark on his feet demanding an encore. Despite a score of 21, opinions were split as Sharna saw promise but wanted more “refinement”, Craig described the performance as “messy”, while Helen Richey declared Harry might be “the heavyweight in this competition”.
Susie O’Neill aka Madame Butterfly and Lyu Masuda took on the tango, scoring the night’s lowest with 13. While the performance was shaky, the judges admired her courage and noticeable improvement from rehearsals to stage.
7NEWS Sydney presenter and 7NEWS Spotlight host Michael Usher stunned the judges by soaring to the top of the leaderboard with 27 points for his foxtrot with Natalie Lowe. The panel was unanimous in its praise, highlighting Michael’s musicality, footwork, and undeniable charisma.
Closing the show, Australia’s sweetheart Rebecca Gibney and partner Ian Waite delivered a cheeky cha-cha-cha, earning the second-highest score of 24. While technically flawed, the performance charmed the judges. “So wrong, it was right,” said Mark. Even Craig admitted it was “technically rubbish” but added that he loved it.
Final leaderboard for the night:
Michael Usher and Natalie Lowe’s poised foxtrot: 27
Rebecca Gibney and Ian Waite’s cheeky cha-cha-cha: 24
Trent Cotchin and Jess Raffa’s commanding tango: 21
Brittany Hockley and Craig Monley’s vivacious cha-cha-cha: 21
Harry Garside and Siobhan Power’s energetic jive: 21
Susie O’Neill and Lyu Masuda courageous tango: 13
