Paul Holmes won praise from the judges for his lift of dancing partner Rebecca Nicholson. Photo / Neil Mackenzie
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Despite his entertainment value Paul Holmes' "lumpy ... dance disaster" last night saw him booted off Dancing with the Stars.
There was no doubt about the broadcaster's comic ability. A scarlet-clad Holmes began his samba by shaking maracas and grabbing his "booty".
But the judges gave him 16,
the lowest score, and he was voted home.
They applauded Holmes for his lift, which lasted only three or four seconds but was no mean feat for a 57-year-old.
But judge Craig Revel-Horwood said of his dance: "It was lumpy, awkward and in my book a complete dance disaster. It was substandard."
Judge Carol-Ann Hickmore criticised Holmes' stiltedness.
Despite his downcast expression, Holmes said he was relieved to go. "We've had an immense amount of fun and in many ways it's a blessed relief to be going back to normal life."
His exit means dance partner Rebecca Nicholson will be saved from the spear-tackle Holmes promised to do if he was voted back in.
The stunner of the night was Megan Alatini, whose dancing wowed the judges. After being in the bottom two last week she made an impressive comeback with the highest score.
Greer Robson, who danced her samba to KT Tunstall's Black Horse and the Cherry Tree was again consistent, as was Suzanne Paul.
Tim Shadbolt's Summary of last night's performance
Best performance:
I always think Megan Alatini - right through the competition. I mean she can dance!
Biggest embarrassment:
Greer Robson getting such a devastatingly low score - I felt embarrassed for her. But there was nothing outrageously bad that stood out.
Hottest looking:
Brendon Pongia and Hayley Holt. I have always liked Hayley - she combines the beauty and grace of dance with strong physical toughness because of her doing snowboarding and Treasure Island.
Trickiest dance move:
In the end it would have to be Paul Holmes. For him to do the lift is a big thing. Especially when you have osteo-arthritis. I always thought there should be some dispensation for age. I was proud of him.
Best judge's comment:
When Brendan Cole said: "No one had any push" after the swing waltz. He says it like it is.
Right decision:
It was the right decision in terms of best dancer but for me the show is also about entertainment. I would have liked to have seen Paul and Rebecca go through another round. Paul had an element of surprise and now there are just going to be good dancers. You have to have someone representing the absolute no-hoper who is prepared to have a go.
