New promo aired last night, featuring footage from the actual episodes.
1 Like
Sharna Burgess is special guest on Better Homes and Gardens next Friday (June 20), taking Johanna Griggs to a backstage tour of the show at Disney Studios.
Update 14/6
2 Likes
Seems very odd, it is one of their strongest shows. And Kryger aside, would also leave Dr Chris with a very lean schedule.
2 Likes
I would say it’s more budget costs. The show clearly still pulls in a healthy audience for the network.
Seven might want to redeploy the money into other primetime reality shows.
1 Like
Episode 1
15 June
- Harry Garside
- Trent Cotchin
- Michael Usher
- Rebecca Gibney
- Brittany Hockley
- Susie O’Neill
6 dancers. A 1 hour and 45 minutes scheduled episode. Don’t get me wrong, I will still watch it. But I can see a lot of padding going to happen. Extended rehearsal airings, and repeated comments from all four judges, then by Sonia, and then by Chris Brown, and plenty of “what’s ahead” segments.
1 Like
That’s why I’m going to record the show on my PVR then I can fast forward through all the boring bits
2 Likes
Todd McKenney has posted on a TVT story about tonight, not often you see that. Have to presume it’s genuine, given Knoxy would’ve approved both the account and post first
5 Likes
Foxtrot to the top
Michael Usher tops leaderboard in the season opener
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
Dancing With The Stars continues next Sunday, as second group of celebrities – Felicity Ward, Karina Carvalho, Kyle Shilling, Mia Fevola, Osher Gunsberg and Shaun Micallef – step onto the dancefloor for the very first time.
1 Like
1 Like
Rebecca Gibney is on the cover of TV Week this week.
1 Like
According to a promo shown tonight, this Sunday’s episode will feature special guest Tina Sparkle (Sonia Kruger’s character in Strictly Ballroom), and a controversial dance routine by a couple from the second group that would divide the audience.
2 Likes
Sonia’s dance was perfect, a reminder of why she is hosting Dancing with the Stars.
3 Likes
I completed a podcast with Sonia about tonight’s and last week’s episode. The Tina Sparkle thing was very tough for her. Also she said she gets confused with Sophie Monk sometimes.
Apologies about the audio - very occasionally some stars prefer telephone over Zoom which makes the quality not as great:
3 Likes
Surprises and sparkle
A night of highs and lows on Dancing With The Stars
Tonight, the ballroom sparkled as Dancing With The Stars on Seven and 7plus kicked off with a fiery paso doble from Felicity Ward and Aric Yegudkin. Helen Richey felt knee walks were too masculine for a lady’s routine but praised Felicity’s confidence and delivery. Sharna Burgess disagreed, declaring: “I love me a badass feminine woman doing masculine things.”
Hot on their heels, Kyle Shilling and Lily Cornish hit the stage with a high-energy cha-cha-cha. Mark Wilson noted posture issues but praised the rhythm. Craig Revel Horwood was less forgiving, saying bluntly: “That wasn’t a cha-cha-cha in any way, shape or form.” Sharna loved the vibe but called out sloppy technique. Helen saw promise, complimenting Kyle’s musicality and care for his partner.
Karina Carvalho and Andrey Gorbunov delivered a graceful Viennese waltz, although not all were swept off their feet. Craig said it lacked emotion, Helen agreed. Mark, however, countered: “I thought you really sold the performance beautifully.”
Mia Fevola surprised the judges with a confident cha-cha-cha with partner Gustavo Viglio, cheered on by her famous family. Craig admitted she caught him off guard – in the best way. Sharna praised her potential and urged Mia to let Gustavo push her further.
It was a tough night for Osher Günsberg and Sriani Argaet, who landed at the bottom of the leaderboard with their foxtrot. Craig didn’t hold back, calling it a “dance disaster”. Mark said it was entertaining, but for the wrong reasons. Helen offered a gentler take, reminding viewers that foxtrot is one of the most difficult dances, encouraging Osher to keep working.
Shaun Micallef and Ash-Leigh Hunter brought the house down with a cheeky and crowd-pleasing quickstep that rocketed them to the top of the leaderboard. Sharna called it “really fun to watch”, while Mark described it as “pantomimey”. Even Craig, despite calling it technically rubbish, admitted he loved it. Helen, who expected little, was delightfully surprised.
In a special highlight, iconic Strictly Ballroom star Tina Sparkle (aka Sonia Kruger) returned to the floor for a magical waltz with reigning champ Ian Waite – a dream moment for fans.
Final leaderboard for the night:
- Kyle and Lily’s energetic cha-cha-cha: 24
- Shaun and Ash-Leigh’s expressive quickstep: 24
- Karina and Andrey’s elegant Viennese waltz: 23
- Mia and Gustavo’s strong cha-cha-cha: 23
- Felicity and Aric’s powerful paso doble: 22
- Osher and Sriani’s charismatic foxtrot: 9
Dancing With The Stars continues next Sunday, as Team A returns to the dance floor.
1 Like
Kyle Shilling was previously a professional dancer for Bangarra. Is it unfair to have a professional dancer as part of the competition?
Bangarra dance is quite different to ballroom dancing.
1 Like
7 have a banner to vote for Lynne for Good literally whilst Sonia is on screen
Madame Butterfly bows out
Susie O’Neill bids goodbye to the ballroom
Tonight, on Dancing With The Stars on Seven and 7plus, 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
Dancing With The Stars continues next Sunday, as Home and Away star Kyle Shilling, 7NEWS presenter Karina Carvalho, influencer Mia Fevola, TV comic Shaun Micallef, radio host Osher Günsberg, and comedian Felicity Ward hit the dancefloor to impress the judges – though one couple will inevitably hang up their dance shoes by night’s end.
1 Like
Karina Carvalho signs off gracefully
7NEWS Melbourne presenter reaches the end of her dancing journey
Tonight on Seven and 7plus, the second group of celebrities on Dancing With The Stars took to the dancefloor ready to wow the judges, knowing by night’s end, one pair would be heading home.
Home and Away star Kyle Shilling and Lily Cornish opened the show with an emotional Viennese waltz. While the judges felt it lacked traditional Viennese elements, they were all impressed by the performance. Craig Revel Horwood described it as veering more toward contemporary freestyle but said it was “absolutely amazing”. Helen Richey urged Kyle to work on his ballroom frame. Mark Wilson loved the partnership, and Sharna Burgess praised the risk-taking but commented Kyle needs “to learn how to lead”.
7NEWS Melbourne presenter Karina Carvalho and Andrey Gorbunov turned up the heat with a lively salsa that showed clear improvement from Karina’s first performance. Sharna was thrilled with the transformation, Helen was impressed, and while Craig wanted more hip action, he appreciated the added personality.
Mia Fevola and Gustavo Viglio soared to the top of the leaderboard by delivering a poignant Viennese waltz to the same song her mother, Alex, once danced to on the show. Helen called the performance soft and graceful. Sharna found it stunning, urging Mia to believe in herself. Mark declared it flawless, while Craig called it “absolutely gorgeous”.
Shaun Micallef and Ash-Leigh Hunter brought flair to a foxtrot full of character. Sharna loved Shaun’s charm despite some missteps, while Mark praised the character and footwork but pointed out posture issues. Craig called it “smoke and mirrors” and said Shaun “masked all the terrible technique with the facial expressions”. Helen – charmed by “Mr Suave” – admired his respect for ballroom, even if there’s work to do.
Osher Günsberg and Sriani Argaet returned to the floor with a jive that was worlds apart from his previous performance. Helen joked he must have a twin, as the improvement was that dramatic. Craig and Mark were both impressed by the newfound focus and energy, and Sharna noted that his performance skills were so strong, they distracted from any remaining footwork issues.
Felicity Ward and Aric Yegudkin closed the night with a sharp, confident cha-cha-cha. Craig loved the timing and rhythm, though he wanted more hip action. Helen said Felicity should be proud, calling her a natural dancer. Mark praised her clean, solid footwork, and Sharna was all in: “I honestly think we’re gonna see you right at the end of this competition.”
Sadly, it was the end of the road for Karina and Andrey, who became the second couple eliminated this season. Karina thanked her partner for the journey: “Andrey is not just a fantastic, highly qualified dancer, he’s such a great teacher and he’s so patient and he’s put together the most beautiful choreography for us.”
Final leaderboard for the night:
- Mia Fevola and Gustavo Viglio: 34
- Felicity Ward and Aric Yegudkin: 31
- Shaun Micallef and Ash-Leigh Hunter: 24
- Kyle Shilling and Lily Cornish: 21
- Karina Carvalho and Andrey Gorbunov: 20
- Osher Günsberg and Sriani Argaet: 18
Dancing With The Stars continues next Sunday, as first group of celebrities – including podcasting queen Britanny Hockley, 7NEWS presenter Michael Usher, boxing champ Harry Garside, AFL legend Trent Cotchin and Aussie TV royalty Rebecca Gibney – return to the dancefloor.
Dancing With The Stars Continues 7.00pm Sunday on Seven and 7plus
1 Like