Tonight the ballroom lit up as 7NEWS Sydney presenter Michael Usher and his partner Natalie Lowe kicked off the night with a fiery paso doble. Sharna Burgess applauded Michael’s cape work but noted he was “missing matador position”. Mark Wilson was impressed but felt the performance lacked body shape, and Craig Revel Horwood found it “too square” but appreciated the characterisation. Helen Richey summed it up best: “You’re terrific. You’ve embraced this competition, and that’s just so beautiful to see.”
Madame Butterfly Susie O’Neill faced a personal hurdle, pushing past her discomfort with close contact, to deliver a charming foxtrot alongside partner Lyu Masuda. While she didn’t score high, the judges admired her growing confidence. Mark praised some of her footwork and Helen celebrated her progress, but straight shooter Craig didn’t hold back: “Seven weeks and seven hours a day wasted, I’d say.”
AFL champion Trent Cotchin, much like Susie, conquered his unease with closeness to perform a touching foxtrot alongside Jess Raffa, dedicating it to his family. Helen saw a clear improvement, while Sharna said: “Something just clicked for you this week, I am so impressed with that change, well done!” Despite some footstep mistakes and gapping, Mark and Craig appreciated the storytelling and flow.
Boxer Harry Garside showed his softer side with an emotional contemporary number alongside partner Siobhan Power. While Sharna applauded his vulnerability, mentioning he’s setting a powerful example for young men, Mark thought he played it “emotionally safe”. Helen, however, challenged him for more: “I said you might be the heavyweight in this competition. Don’t you prove me wrong Harry.”
Aussie TV royalty Rebecca Gibney with partner Ian Waite delivered a graceful Viennese waltz to her wedding song, impressing the judges with her natural elegance. Sharna described Rebecca as regal, while Mark encouraged her to take more control on the dancefloor. Craig thought the transitions needed work but acknowledged her innate class.
Brittany Hockley and Craig Monley closed the night with a high-energy samba, taking big risks that paid off as they topped the leaderboard. Mark applauded: “For all the other competitors so far, they need to watch what you have just done.” Craig likened it to a Violet Crumble, calling it “pretty brittle,” but praised her brilliant effort. Helen loved the performance, and Sharna thought it was phenomenal.
After an impressive night of performances, it was time for the season’s first elimination. Sadly, Susie O’Neill was the first to leave the ballroom. Despite the result, she left with a huge smile, proud of her progress and thrilled to have learnt how to hug.
Final leaderboard for the night:
- Brittany Hockley and Craig Monley: 31
- Trent Cotchin and Jess Raffa: 30
- Michael Usher and Natalie Lowe: 25
- Harry Garside and Siobhan Power: 25
- Rebecca Gibney and Ian Waite: 25
- Susie O’Neill and Lyu Masuda: 15
