Dancing With The Stars' first elimination: Aussie icon sent home after BRUTAL slate from judges: 'Seven weeks wasted'
Dancing With The Stars ' first elimination of the 2025 season has seen a beloved Aussie icon dance their last dance.
On Sunday night, this year's rookie ballroom dancers took to the dance floor in a heated battle for a spot in next week's lineup.
Susie O'Neill, lovingly known as Madame Butterfly, struggled to move past her discomfort with close contact, a hurdle that saw her foxtrot receive low scores.
Despite the phenomenal performances across the board, one 2025 participant had to bid farewell to the dancefloor and that star was Olympic swimmer Susie, who scored bottom of the leader board with 15 points.
The judges admired her growing confidence and praised some of her footwork, but straight-shooter Craig Revel Horwood was brutal in his criticism.
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'Seven weeks and seven hours a day wasted, I'd say' he said.
Despite the criticism, Madame Butterfly left with her head held high, beaming with pride as she expressed her gratitude for not only learning how to dance, but how to hug.
Up first on Sunday was 7NEWS presenter Michael Usher, who raised temperatures with a fiery paso doble.
Despite 'missing a matador position' and appearing 'too square', the judges were impressed with his characterisation and cape work.
Similarly to Susie, AFL star Trent Cotchin overcame his unease with close proximity as he took on the foxtrot, which he dedicated to his family.
The midfielder made a few footstep mistakes but was hailed for his storytelling ability, flowing movements and clear improvement.
'Something just clicked for you this week, I am so impressed with that change, well done!' said Sharna Burgess of the footy star's progress.
This week, boxer Harry Garside showed his softer side in a moving contemporary number.
Brittany Hockley (pictured left) closed the show with a bang, offering a high-energy samba with big risks that paid off - and nabbed her number one spot on the leader board with 31 points
While his vulnerability was praised, Mark Wilson thought he had played it 'emotionally safe', which saw Helen Richey chime in with a challenge.
'I said you might be the heavyweight in this competition. Don't you prove me wrong Harry.'
TV star Rebecca Gibney was the picture of grace as she took to the floor with the Viennese waltz, sweetly choreographed to her wedding song.
The Gold Logie winner was hailed for her natural elegance, regal form and innate class, but was encouraged to work on her control and transitions.
However, it was Brittany Hockley who closed the show with a bang, offering a high-energy samba with big risks that paid off - and nabbed her number one spot on the leader board with 31 points.
'For all the other competitors so far, they need to watch what you have just done,' Mark commended her, with Sharna and Helen mimicking his sentiments.
Craig likened the samba to a Violet Crumble, calling it 'pretty brittle', but praised Brittany's determination and effort.
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