KEY POINTS:
The public vote conspired against singer Tina Cross last night as she and dance partner Aaron Gilmore exited Dancing With The Stars.
Their departure was a shock as they outscored former world ironman champion Cory Hutchings and partner Rebecca Nicholson in both the samba and group waltz, only to be denied when the public votes were added.
Hutchings is one of four celebrities remaining in the TV1 competition.
Actress Miriama Smith top-scored tonight, with 68 points. In a skimpy outfit Smith and partner Jonny Williams earned a competition high 37 points for the samba, with judge Craig Revel Horwood commenting enthusiastically that it was "one of the filthiest sambas" he had seen.
Netballer Temepara George and Stefano Olivieri were second with 67, ahead of former rugby league player and boxer Monty Betham and Nerida Jantti with 55.
Cross and Gilmore scored 53, while Hutchings and Nicholson were five points back on 48.
- NZPA
