David Wirrpanda withdrew from the DANCING WITH THE STARS competition tonight leaving four contestants to battle it out for the mirror ball trophy.
The AFL legend made the shock announcement just before the final decision was read out, leaving hosts Daniel MacPherson and Sonia Kruger and the audience stunned. In doing so, he came the first contestant in the show’s 10 series history to leave the show voluntarily.
The proud West Australian said it was a difficult decision made from the heart. “For me to develop as a dancer, it’s going to take more time,” he said. “These guys – who will be my friends for life- deserve to go on with the show and have a crack at the grand final. I’m prepared to step aside to make sure they get that chance”
The audience rose to their feet after witnessing his selfless act before erupting into chants of “Wirra! Wirra! Wirra!’ On behalf of everyone, judge Todd McKenney commended his decision saying, “You are doing the right thing. You’re being a gentleman and giving respect to your fellow performers. I commend you completely.”
Wirra languished at the bottom of the score board again for the seventh time this series with 36 points for his two dances. But it’s been the support of his fans, particularly on the west coast, which has propelled him so far in the competition. Tonight he paid tribute to his loyal supporters. “I want to thank my dance partner Liza van Pelt for teaching me and everyone who voted.”
Tamara Jaber proved she is a force to be reckoned with top-scoring yet again with 56 points. Her first dance – the salsa – received a perfect score from the judges. After a difficult week in her personal life, an emotional Tamara broke down during her pre-dance package but she emerged triumphant on the dance floor. “This is the most fun I’ve had in my life,” she said after her salsa. “It’s ignited something in me. It’s like I can’t believe I never did it before.” The judges called her “hot, hot, hot” with Todd declaring her “the best dancer we’ve ever had in this competition.”
Rob Palmer continued to impress finishing in second place with 52 points. With two very different dances – the Paso Doble and Quickstep – the cheerful chippie showcased his versatility and talent. Todd said, “You are a ballroom transformer. You get better every week.”
The final scores were:
Tamara Jaber and Carmelo Pizzino 30 + 26 = 56
Rob Palmer and Alana Patience 25+ 27 = 52
Alex Fevola and Arsen Kishishian 24 + 23 = 47
George Houvardas and Luda Kroitor 21 + 23 = 44
David Wirrpanda and Liza Van Pelt 19 + 17 = 36
Now the judges’ votes are in, it is now up to the public to vote for their favourite star and partner.
The voting lines opened after last night’s show. To keep your favourite celebrity in the competition SMS* their first name to 191 777 or call* the following numbers:
ROB PALMER supporting Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Call 1902 55 77 11
GEORGE HOUVARDAS supporting Australian Children’s Music Foundation Call 1902 55 77 14
TAMARA JABER supporting Save Our Sons Call 1902 55 77 15
ALEX FEVOLA supporting Ronald McDonald House Call 1902 55 77 16
*Voting costs 55c max. Mobile calls to 1902 extra.
Hosted by Daniel MacPherson and Sonia Kruger, DANCING WITH THE STARS is lives Sundays at 7.30pm on Channel Seven.
Don’t miss next week’s show when the top four perform three dances each and take part in an all-in swing marathon. Aussie pop sensation Vanessa Amorosi will also perform.
Catch up on all the latest DANCING WITH THE STARS NEWS on the official website http://yahoo7.com.au/tv
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