Nicolas Roche became the latest celebrity to exit Dancing With the Stars as he and dance partner Karen Byrne lost out in this week's dance-off against Ellen Keane and Ervinas Merfeldas.
Afterwards, Nicolas praised his pro dancer Karen, and said: "It's been an incredible journey . . . I've no regrets,. It's been a life-changing experience."
The theme this week was Around the World and the six finalists and their pro-partners dance to music and routines inspired from various places around the world.
First up were Ellen Keane and Ervinas Merfeldas, the latter replacing Stephen Vincent after his testing positive for Covid-19. They performed a Salsa to Left My Heart in Tokyo by Mini Viva.
"It's been a mad 24 hours," Ellen admitted after her dance, acknowledging the fact that Ervinas came in just the day before after Stephen was ruled out.
Judge Arthur told Ellen: "You left your heart on the dance floor . . . you are fearless and you proved that tonight. Bravo."
The judges awarded them a total of 26 points.
Next up were Nicolas Roche and Karen Byrne, who danced a Foxtrot to I Love Paris by Frank Sinatra.
Judge Brian generated a few boos from the audience when he said: "This performance was about as sophisticated as a French boulevard. In terms of smoothness, it was a little more cobbled street at times."
After the dance, Nicolas said: "It was a challenging dance, but the song - the whole move - kind of carried me away."
The judges awarded them a total of 21 points.
Then it was the turn of Jordan Conroy and his replacement dancer Emily Barker, as Salome tested positive for Covid, and they performed a Charleston to Walk Like an Egyptian by The Bangles.
Judge Loraine said: "Walk Like an Egyptian? There was no walking going on there! Emily, you were straight into a jam-packed Charleston. And well done you! It was truly a wonderful number . . . it was all there."
Afterwards, Jordan said: "It was a lot of fun" while acknowledging that "Emily did an amazing job slotting in."
The judges awarded them a total of 29 points.
Matthew MacNabb and Laura Nolan were the next couple on the floor, and they danced the Tango to Rio by Duran Duran.
Judge Arthur told them: "Matthew, you brought the passion of Rio to the dance floor . . . I think you had a game plan. You started very slow at the beginning, then hitting it hard approaching the final part."
Afterwards, an enthusiastic Matthew told Nicky: "This is so much fun. The group dance is amazing as well. I can't wait to dance that."
The judges awarded them a total of 23 points.
Then it was the turn of Erica-Cody and the returning Denys Samson, who performed a Cha- Cha- Cha to Mambo Italiano by Bette Midler.
Judge Brian said: "Well Denys, it's great to have you back. But if you ever fancy having another week off sick, Erica just give me a shout. Because if you're going to dance a Cha-Cha-Cha like that, I'll dance with you any time."
Afterwards, Erica admitted to Nicky: "It was not easy. It definitely said 'good morning' to my old knee injury - but we got through it."
The judges awarded them a maximum total of 30 points, their first full points of the season.
Nina Carberry and Pasquale La Rocca followed, performing an American Smooth to A Foggy Day (In London Town) by Petula Clark.
A very impressed Judge Loraine said: "Soft, glowing, glitzy, glamorous - it had the Hollywood style American Smooth . . . Fantastic teaching, Pasquale. And Nina - you put the 'zing' in a amazing."
"I'm absolutely thrilled, Nina told Nicky afterwards. "I really enjoyed that dance the whole week. And I'm just glad it paid off. It went well."
The judges awarded them a total of 29 points.
After that, it was time for some team dancing. First up, Ellen and Ervinas, Jordan and Emily, plus Nicolas and Karen were collectively the Cuban Groovers, and danced to Cuba by The Gibson Brothers
Judge Loraine felt the Cuban Groovers looked the part. "Ladies, you are looking absolutely fabulous. And they guys are not too bad, either. I really like the teamwork."
The judges awarded them a total of 27 points.
Then Erica and Denys, Matthew and Laura, plus Nina and Pasquale joined together as Turkish Delight, to dance to Istanbul (not Constantinople) by Burt&Barker.
Judge Arthur was certainly impressed, saying: "Oh my god, that was spicy! That was like a magic potion floating on the dance floor tonight!"
The judges awarded them a total of 29 points, making them the winners of the team dance.
That meant Erica and Denys headed the leader board with 59 points, while Matthew and Laura were second-last with 52, and Nicolas and Karen at the bottom on 48.
After the voting closed and the pro dancers did their thing to Hotel California by The Eagles, the two couple heading into the dance-off were Nicolas Roche and Karen Byrne, Ellen Keane and Ervinas Merfeldas.
Nicolas and Karen went first, and afterwards Nicolas said: "I've been in love with the show . . . it would be amazing to come back."
Then it was Ellen and Ervinas, and then up to the judges.
Arthur called for Ellen and Ervinas to stay, then Brian - while acknowledging a great improvement from Nicolas - agreed, calling for Ellen and Ervinas, which meant it was all over for Nicolas and Karen.
Dancing With the Stars continues next Sunday on RTÉ One
