Aslan's Billy McGuinness is the sixth celebrity dancer to be eliminated from Dancing with the Stars

The Dancing with the Stars journey ended this evening for Aslan's Billy McGuinness and his dance partner Hannah Kelly. Billy danced a Charleston earlier tonight, scoring 20 points, his highest score of the series, but the judges decided to send them home tonight after a dance-off against Jordan Conroy.

Billy said: I expected to last one week, two maybe, If we made people at home smile. That's my job done. I just loved being on this show. Hair, make up, all the crew. It's been more than I expected. Hannah had guided me through the 9 weeks. I hope she goes far.

Tonight's show was the ninth of the series and all of the celebrity dancers were looking ahead to next week's quarter final. Jennifer Zamparelli and Nicky Byrne presented while judges Loraine Barry, Brian Redmond and Arthur Gourounlian scored each dancer on their performances.

First to show his skills on the dancefloor tonight was Love Island star Matthew MacNabb, dancing with Laura Nolan. Their American Smooth had lots of lifts and they danced to Anyone for You' by George Ezra.

Opening the judges comments tonight, head judge Loraine said: The American Smooth gives you the freedom to get out and sway the body and create volume. It had the beautiful smoothness of the quickstep. The entry into and out of the lifts needs to be smoother but you are on the right road.

Arthur: The chemistry between you two is flowing, I think you two are perfect for each other. Who's have thought you'd have been here for week 9? I really enjoyed the lovely, gentle American Smooth.

Brian: You look happier this week, I don't know is it the smell of the flowers or what it is. Frame is improving week by week, some of the lifts need work, but not a bad start for an American Smooth.

Matthew and Laura scored 22 from the judges.

Jockey Nina Carberry and Pasquale La Rocca were the second couple to dance tonight. Their lively 60's inspired jive was to Faith' by Stevie Wonder feat. Ariana Grande.

Arthur: Nina you are making things very difficult for me, I'm running out of words in my English vocabulary. Jive was outstanding.

Brian said: Two weeks of top scores, but this week proves, no one can be perfect all the time. You needed snappier leg action. Plenty of faith you'll be back next week, but not as good as last week.

Loraine: Very groovy, lot of great jive, Rock steps, spin. A lot of energy. The legs need to be looser, but still a groovy number.

Nina and Carberry scored 26 from the judges.

Cyclist Nicolas Roche made a welcome return to the dancefloor tonight after missing last week's show due to contracting covid-19. He and Karen Byrne danced a tango to Trumpet Tango by Eddie Calvert. Their track was pre-recorded by the RT Concert Orchestra as they missed Big Band week last week.

Brian said: After two weeks of you two hardly seeing each other, I was very impressed, I commend you. One of your strongest performances. I loved the top line, spine was a bit titled, a bit forward, but considering, you hardly danced together, that was great.

Loraine: A Sleek, stylish tango. Mystery and intrigue. I love to see the original steps which you showed. I would have loved a bit more punch in the steps but I really enjoyed it.

Arthur: Intense, moody and dark. All three. You brought it tonight with Karen. Your head turns I felt like I was in a caf in Monaco watching a tango.

Nicolas and Karen scored 21 from the judges.

After another break, athlete Ellen Keane and Stephen Vincent danced a vibrant quickstep to the Katrina and The Waves track Walking on Sunshine.'

Loraine: Well, coming off last week where the jive was fast, it led you into the quickstep. You started with swing action, quarter turns, The lock step. You kept the energy when you broke away. So light on your feet.

Arthur: You are a ray of sunshine. This song was so uplifting. Fast, energic and perfect for both of you. You have to be on the same level as your partner, with pace, and you worked it out.

Brian: Fanciest pajamas I've ever seen! That quickstep was loaded with classic quickstep content. A little mistake. But apart from that it had the classic quickstep content that Loraine and I love. It had fun, entertainment and energy so Arthur was happy too.

Ellen and Stephen scored 27 from the judges.

Rugby player Jordan Conroy and Salome Chachua danced a samba to Magalenha' by Sergio Mendas tonight.

Arthur: The way you were grinding the floor at beginning, I thought I was at a Magic Mike show. You had a point to prove tonight. Your hunger and love for dancing shows . You were loose and supple and you had by the bucketload.

Brian: So many rhythms. Lovely and full, real action in the body, but no one invited your arms to the party. Arms not quite there. I also liked the changes in rhythm. Maybe not as good as last week and last week you were in the dance off.

Loraine: This is challenging dance. But you did have a lot of rhythm. You had some great movements. Continuous locks down the floor. Salome is on fire, that's for sure. We call it the celebrity killer, but tonight you survived it.

Jordan and Salome scored 24 from the judges.

Aslan's Billy McGuinness and Hannah Kelly brought Charleston to studio to Mr. Bass Man' this week.

Brian: This was a rare Charleston, in that it did not have a single, swivel action. I don't even know where to go from here. Fun, energetic, no technical dancing. It doesn't matter what I say really, people will love it.

Loraine: A great Charleston, there were two swivels . Lots of kicks. Typical you. Not about technique. Lot of hops and steps. A test of stamina at 61.

Arthur: An aerobic number. At 61, you have the energy of 21 year old. You put everything in it. When you are on the dancefloor, it is Billy's world and we all live in it

LINK:	https://about.rte.ie/2022/03/06/2002640/...
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