Recap | Dancing With The Stars on Channel 7 and 7plus S22E2 – Surprises and Sparkle
The ballroom was alive with energy and excitement as Dancing With The Stars returned to Channel 7 and 7plus for its second episode of Season 22. The night was filled with a mix of dazzling performances, unexpected surprises, and a few disappointments, showcasing the highs and lows of the competition.
A Fiery Start
Kicking off the evening was comedian Felicity Ward and her partner Aric Yegudkin, who delivered a fiery paso doble that set the tone for the night. Judge Helen Richey expressed her reservations about the knee walks, deeming them too masculine for a lady’s routine. However, she couldn’t deny Felicity’s confidence and delivery. In a spirited rebuttal, Sharna Burgess championed the performance, stating, “I love me a badass feminine woman doing masculine things,” highlighting the diverse interpretations of dance.
High-Energy Cha-Cha-Cha
Next up were Kyle Shilling and Lily Cornish, who brought a high-energy cha-cha-cha to the floor. While Mark Wilson noted some posture issues, he praised their rhythm. Craig Revel Horwood, however, was less forgiving, bluntly stating, “That wasn’t a cha-cha-cha in any way, shape or form.” Sharna appreciated the vibe but pointed out some sloppy technique, while Helen saw promise in Kyle’s musicality and care for his partner.
Graceful Yet Underwhelming
Karina Carvalho and Andrey Gorbunov took the stage with a graceful Viennese waltz. Despite their elegance, not all judges were swept off their feet. Craig criticized the performance for lacking emotion, a sentiment echoed by Helen. In contrast, Mark praised their ability to sell the performance beautifully, showcasing the varied perspectives of the judges.
Mia Fevola’s Confident Comeback
One of the night’s standout moments came from Mia Fevola, who surprised the judges with a confident cha-cha-cha alongside partner Gustavo Viglio. Cheered on by her famous family, Mia’s performance caught Craig off guard in the best way possible. Sharna recognized her potential and encouraged Mia to let Gustavo push her further, hinting at exciting possibilities for the future.
A Tough Night for Osher and Sriani
Unfortunately, it was a challenging evening for Osher Günsberg and Sriani Argaet, who found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard with their foxtrot. Craig didn’t hold back, labeling it a “dance disaster.” Mark found it entertaining, albeit for the wrong reasons, while Helen offered a gentler critique, reminding viewers that the foxtrot is one of the most difficult dances and encouraging Osher to keep working.
Shaun and Ash-Leigh Steal the Show
In a delightful twist, Shaun Micallef and Ash-Leigh Hunter brought the house down with a cheeky and crowd-pleasing quickstep, propelling them to the top of the leaderboard. Sharna described it as “really fun to watch,” while Mark characterized it as “pantomimey.” Even Craig, despite calling it technically rubbish, admitted he loved it, and Helen was pleasantly surprised by their performance.
A Magical Reunion
A special highlight of the night was the return of iconic Strictly Ballroom star Tina Sparkle (aka Sonia Kruger), who graced the floor for a magical waltz with reigning champion Ian Waite. This nostalgic moment was a dream come true for fans, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
Final Leaderboard
As the night came to a close, the final leaderboard reflected the performances:
- Kyle and Lily’s energetic cha-cha-cha: 24
- Shaun and Ash-Leigh’s expressive quickstep: 24
- Karina and Andrey’s elegant Viennese waltz: 23
- Mia and Gustavo’s strong cha-cha-cha: 23
- Felicity and Aric’s powerful paso doble: 22
- Osher and Sriani’s charismatic foxtrot: 9
Looking Ahead
Dancing With The Stars continues next Sunday, as Team A returns to the dance floor, promising more surprises and sparkle. Additionally, the show and Sonia Kruger are nominees for the 65th TV WEEK Logie Awards, airing Sunday, August 3, exclusively on Seven and 7plus. Fans can vote for their favorites and keep the excitement alive.
Tune in every Sunday at 7:00 PM on Seven and 7plus for more dazzling performances and unforgettable moments!
