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Gráinne Seoige has a graceful exit from Dancing with the Stars

Updated / Sunday, 27 Feb 2022 21:39
Gráinne Seoige and John Nolan sent home from Dancing with the Stars
Gráinne Seoige and John Nolan sent home from Dancing with the Stars

TV presenter Gráinne Seoige and pro dancer John Nolan were sent home in Sunday night's Dancing with the Stars following a dance-off against Irish rugby union player Jordan Conroy and his partner Salome Chachua.

The second dreaded dance-off of the season saw Seoige and Nolan perform their Cha-Cha-Cha again, while Conroy and Chachua took to the dancefloor again for a Contemporary Ballroom piece as they fought for their chance to stay on in the competition.

The judging panel, consisting of Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian, unanimously chose to save Jordan and Salome but were full of praise for Gráinne, with Loraine saying she "came out and gave it your all, you let it rip."

The judges unanimously chose to save Jordan Conroy and his partner Salome Chachua

The Galway TV star was full of praise for her time on the show.

"It's been the best time," she said. "You can't even describe the experience of this show, it's just wonderful. It sounds like a cliché but I have made friends for life here. We've been through a big experience together and that can never change."

This was no ordinary show and the feeling of magic in the air was palpable as the big band night kicked off with a jazzy opening number with the professional dancers and remaining seven contestants, accompanied by the impeccable RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

The infectious energy from the live music carried through to the performances on the night, elevating each and every step on the dancefloor.

The story of the night:

Gráinne Seoige & John Nolan

First up were TV presenter Gráinne Seoige and John Nolan who danced a lively Cha-Cha-Cha to Dancing in the Street by Martha Reeves and The Vandellas

The TV presenter said it was "such an honour" to perform with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra before hearing some positive feedback from the judges.

Loraine said: "It must be feel incredible to open the show with that fabulous sound behind your back", before complimenting her outfit which "accentuated the hip action".

She said a "little bit of disco" was injected into the performance, but encouraged Gráinne to "snap that free leg" and "put some punch into your performance".

Arthur enthused: "The key to a great Cha Cha is that it's fun, flirty and fun of energy and you definitely had that tonight. There's a fire in your belly and may I say you look stunning tonight."

Brian added: "The girl next door definitely came out to play", and said "overall it's great to see you embracing that Latin rhythm."

They scored a total of 19.

Jordan Conroy & Salome Chachua

Next up were Jordan Conroy and Salome Chachua dancing an incredibly athletic, energetic and graceful Contemporary Ballroom to High Hopes by Panic! At the Disco.

The judges were on their feet by the end of the performance.

Arthur had high praise. "I loved that so much," he said. "You are stronger than ever! That lift holding Salome in the air, that shows your power and strength, and the trust Salome has in you."

Brian continued: "That was high achievement all the way. The lifts were excellent, it was brilliant. To put that tango into it, that was an exceptional choice, very creative, very well done. Fantastic."

Loraine added: "Contemporary is all about creativity - this is just off the chart tonight. One of the best tangos I've seen on that floor. So many bursts of energy. That catch, amazing, amazing, amazing. Salome, you do challenge him but he rises to it every time."

They scored a flawless 30 points from the judges.

Matthew MacNabb & Laura Nolan

The third performance of the night came from Matthew MacNabb and Laura Nolan dancing a passionate Paso Doble to Live and Let Die by Wings.

Brian commented: "This Paso Doble summed up your journey on Dancing with the Stars so far - it was just full of contrast - the ridiculous and the sublime."

He complimented MacNabb's "really great characterisation" but said he was "a little bit robotic in the hands".

"Compared to what we've seen you do so far-that was a very good Paso", Brian concluded.

Loraine added: "It's all about getting into character, you then have to show us the Paso Doble steps which I'm delighted to say you did. This is a big dance and I think it's a big success for you tonight."

Arthur said: "You look divine tonight! You committed to this dance emotionally and physically. I'm so happy you came back from last week's Cha Cha and brought us this."

They scored a respectable 22 points.

Erica-Cody & Denys Samson

Next up dancing an elegant and accomplished American Smooth to Too Darn Hot by Ella Fitzgerald were Erica-Cody and Denys Samson.

Erica said she felt like the "luckiest girl in the world" after performing with the live orchestra.

Loraine complimented her for including a Quick Step in the routine. "That is amazing, you were light on your feet." She encouraged her to "point those toes" and work on her "posture and that poise, a little bit more".

"But I loved that, so Hollywood, beautiful," she added.

Arthur said it must have been hard taking to the dancefloor after having been in the dance-off last week. "You came back and showed us what you are made of," he said. "It was classic Hollywood and I was living for it. It was class."

Brian said Erica showed "big improvements in the frame" and said "the next step for you is to change the angle of the spine and improve it even more. There's no doubt about it, after being in the dance-off last week your hard work has paid off this week."

While chatting to Nicky after the performance, Erica had high praise for her professional dance partner. She said: "Denys is from Ukraine, so it's been extremely difficult for him this week with his friends and family back home. I just have to say, he's an absolute trooper. He showed up every single day, blood sweat and tears.

"It wasn't even an option for him to miss the show, I really take my hat off to him, he's incredible."

Fighting back tears, Denys said: "Everybody knows what's going on in Ukraine. My family is there, my best friends.

"I just want to say - we're strong, we will not give up."

They scored a total of 25 points.

Nina Carberry & Pasquale La Rocca

Dancing a jaunty and awe-inspiringly high-energy Charleston to Doop by Doop were Nina Carberry and Pasquale La Rocca.

Arthur was hugely complimentary, saying she was a "wonder woman".

"You are so versatile that every time you come out here it's like, I can't believe it's the same person. The best Charleston of the season so far. The confidence and the energy. Epic!"

Brian was similarly blown away, saying to the former jockey: "I think you missed your calling, to achieve what you are achieving in the space of a few months. Your commitment to every single movement is exemplary. You didn't even flinch when you lifted Pasquale!"

Loraine added: "There was so much in it, everything was there, the teamwork, you had the fun element, and then the lift! We said in the beginning Nina was the dark horse. Tonight you are the frontrunner."

They scored the maximum of 30 points for the second week in a row.

Ellen Keane & Stephen Vincent

Next up dancing a quick-footed Jive to Candyman by Christina Aguilera were Ellen Keane and Stephen Vincent.

Brian commented: "The two of you danced that Jive with so much energy you were like a pair of four-year-olds with a sugar rush! You lived up to that pressure - you really delivered all the way through. It was excellent."

Loraine said: "I saw a lot of jumping Jive and that really takes a lot of energy, your feet were really pumping. It was absolutely wonderful. You both blow me away, the relationship that you have, the trust that you have.

"You're a woman that's always on a mission and you always deliver."

Arthur said: "Jive is the fastest of the Latin dances, you showed me every single step tonight. You are so amazing with your balance. Good job!"

They scored a total of 27.

Billy McGuinness & Hannah Kelly

The last couple to take to the dancefloor were Billy McGuinness and Hannah Kelly with a fun-filled Samba to Rock the Boat by The Hues Corporation.

Loraine laughed as she metaphorically threw away her rules book. "This is the Samba - there is no technique here, it's Billy's technique. Game over!"

Arthur was more enthusiastic, saying he was "Team Banana".

"You are rocking my boat tonight!" he said. "Dancing is happiness, dancing is joy, dancing is life, and you are giving me life every single Sunday. Don't ever change!"

Brian joked: "You did rock the boat and I felt sea sick! Weird at times but you've become an iconic entertainer."

They scored a total of 18 points.

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