The end is near. And our five contestants are battling it out tonight for a place in the final of Dancing with the Stars.
Tensions are high, and no one wants to bow out at this stage!
Here’s how everyone got on during the semi-final of Dancing with the Stars.
Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan
After receiving the lowest score from the judges last week, The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney and partner Laura Nolan went back to the 1930s for a Fred and Ginger-inspired American Smooth to ‘Cheek to Cheek’ by Matthew Morrison and Jane Lynch.
“There were parts where Laura was doing the heavy lifting. But that’s what makes you a good team. I never feel nervous watching you,” Oti Mabuse. “Well done, Paudie.”
For their first dance of the night, they received a six from Brian and Oti and sevens from Karen and Arthur. This means that he received his highest score of the season – 26.
Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott
The Apprentice UK star Jordan Dargan and his partner Rebecca Scott brought the rave to the dancefloor for the first time ever with a 1990s-inspired Cha-cha-cha to ‘Dreamer’ by Livin’ Joy.
“I absolutely loved that choreographer. That was deadly!” Karen Byrne enthused.
The newly dubbed Fresh Prince of Dublin received a score of nine from Brian and Karen and 10s from Oti and Arthur. This means his total score was 38.
Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini
Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins and partner Leonardo Lini fought for a place in the final with a century-old Charleston from the 1920s to ‘Charleston’ by Bob Wilson & His Varsity Rhythm Boys. And with an injured ligament for poor Leonardo, they had to make some accommodations for his injury.
But that didn’t stop them from wowing the judges as they received a standing ovation from all four judges. Yes, Brian’s first time up off his chair!
“Katelyn, what have you just done?!” he told her. “To be out there as a young woman and showing all that power and energy that young women can bring. It’s so much more than the dance, but the dance was incredible.”
Oti branded it “the dance of the season”. She received four 10s, meaning she received a total of 40.
Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba
Having experienced the highs and lows last Sunday, with a perfect score and finding themselves in the Dance-Off, Tolü Makay and Maciej Zieba came back this week with a Paso Doble inspired by the 1980s and Guns ’n’ Roses ‘Welcome to the Jungle’.
“You are just a powerhouse!” Karen Byrne told her. “I wish I could do backbends like you. That was unreal! Well done!”
She received an eight from Brian, two nines and a 10 from Arthur. This brought their score up to 36.
Eric Roberts and Arianna Favaro
Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts and partner Arianna Favaro won last week’s Orchestra-thon, and this week they went disco with a 1970s Salsa to ‘Boogie Wonderland’ by Earth, Wind & Fire. Despite being nervous about the lifts, they absolutely nailed.
Oti Mabuse said: “I loved it. It was clean, it was crisp. You nailed the big lift at the end.” While Arthur Gourounlian branded it “disco-lisious”.
The pair received a nine from Brian and three 10s, bringing their total to 39.
Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan
Back on the dancefloor, there’s no messing!
For their ‘Time Machine Trio’, Paudie and Laura went back to the 2010s, with a Samba to Psy’s groundbreaking K-Pop smash ‘Gangnam Style’ alongside trio partner Robert Rowiński.
“Oh Paudie, I love you. The way I can describe this performance is a legendary popstar performing with two dancers. This is entertainment!” Arthur said.
While Brian said: “That was pure madness.”
They received four sixes from the judges, bringing their total to 24.
Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott
Hoping to continue to impress the judges, Jordan and Rebecca were back on the dancefloor.
Forget about One Direction, this week is all about Beatlemania for Jordan and Rebecca when they are joined by James Cutler for a 1960s Charleston to the Beatles’ hit ‘Help!’
“You’ve improved so much over those last 10 weeks. Overall, the improvement you’ve made over the last 10 weeks is out of this world,” Brian told them.
“It’s spotless, it’s so clean,” Karen said.
He received a nine from Brian and three 10s bringing, his total to 39!
Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini
Katelyn and Leonardo time-travelled to the decade she was born, the 2000s, to take on a Samba to Beyoncé’s iconic ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring On it)’, alongside pro dancer Alex Vladimirov.
And it’s safe to say that we liked that dance!
Oti said: “You get to be Beyoncé for the semi-final. I am so jealous. The creativity was incredible throughout. I loved it.”
Arthur gave it a chef’s kiss! And Brian branded it an “iconic performance”.
They received a 10 from Brian and Arthur and two nines from Karen and Oti. This brought their total up to 38.
Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba
Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba time travelled to the 1950s for their trio dance Jive to ‘Tutti Frutti’ by Little Richard, where they teamed up with eliminated pro dancer Stephen Vincent.
And they are fighting for their place in the final!
“That jive was juicy. I couldn’t take my eyes off you. Two professional dancers were dancing with you, but you took control of the dancefloor,” Arthur told him.
While Karen told her that she was “the image of Barbie in between two Ken dolls”.
They received an eight from Brian and three nines, bringing their total up to 35.
Eric Roberts and Arianna Favaro
Our final dance of the night saw Eric and Arianna hop into the time machine!
They teamed up with Kylee Vincent and take a trip back to the 1940s for a Quickstep to ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ by The Puppini Sisters.
“I’m here for this all day. I’ve danced thousands of Quicksteps throughout my career. But I’ve never done it with two women,” Brian enthused. “I think you were well entitled to blow your own trumpet.”
“I think you are having a brilliant night tonight,” Oti said.
They received four 10s, bringing their total up to 40.
