Dancing with the Stars – Michael and Mary dance their way into week four
By Tiana Binns
After two weeks of jaw dropping performances, the eliminations have begun on RTÉ One's Dancing with the Stars.
The first celebrity to be eliminated was former Love Islander Yewande Biala who danced a Viennese waltz with Stephen Vincent to Taylor Swift’s new hit song “Lover”.
Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist Michael Carruth with Pro Dancer Karen Byrne (Image: Kyran O’Brien Photography)
The duo earned a score of 12 from the judges, who were less than impressed, with Brian calling the performance, “clumpy, lumpy and bumpy”.
This week was jam packed with eye catching performances that took the judges on a scoring rollercoaster of the routines.
Scoring a 20, one of the highest scores of the night, professional Lucan dancer, Laura Nolan and her partner Big Brother winner Brian Dowling, performed a 60’s style American Smooth to ‘Dance Monkey’ by Tones & I.
Once again, the judges were impressed with Brian and Laura’s performance. “I loved this concept of American smooth, a really interesting take on it. You had great contrast I think that was a really interesting take – well done,” Dancing with the Stars judge, Brian Redmond said.
Following with a close score of 16 from the judges, television presenter, Mary Kennedy from Clondalkin and her partner John Nolan danced a salsa in Latino-styled colourful outfits to ‘Ran Kan Kan’ by Luis Lema.
Increasing their score from last week by three points, Mary continued her positive attitude following the performance. She said: “It was such fun; it was so different and nice after last week’s comments.”
The judges agree with all three, even Brian, giving Mary and John positive comments.
Nationwide Presenter Mary Kennedy and Pro Dancer John Nolan (Image: Kyran O’Brien Photography)
Brian said: “For me, it wasn’t better than last week – it was vastly better than last week! Lifts were great. A big step forward from what you gave us last week – well done.” Julian Benson also commented on the lifts calling them “great” and “energetic”.
Coming in with the third lowest score of the night of 11, Former boxer Michael Carruth from Walkinstown performed a samba to ‘It’s Not Unusual’ by Tom Jones, inspired by a 70’s festival feel, with his dance partner Karen Byrne.
The judges were not impressed with Michael and Karen’s performance with Brian commenting that Michael needs to “work more”.
Loraine Barry said: “A great samba routine. Sadly, Michael you didn’t complete the steps. I’m disappointed for you as it was a great routine.”
However, with a score on the low end and the judge’s comments, Michael remained humble and upbeat about his performance. Michael said: “I know I’m not the best dancer but if I can make people happy then I’m happy.
The calf is okay – nothing a bag of ice won’t fix later!”
Next week, eliminations will continue, so as the audience sit on the edge of their seats, the hard work will continue for the competitors back stage.
TAGS Lifestyle
