Singer Erica Cody set a new Dancing with the Stars Ireland record last night - as she bagged the highest scoring first dance since the show began.
The glitzy RTE programme, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli and Nicky Byrne, returned for a second week last night with six new stars taking to the dance floor for the first time.
And it was R&B hitmaker Erica who dramatically stole the plaudits, not only topping the leaderboard overall, but also taking home the title of the highest ever scorer in her first dance with an impressive 24 points.
In disbelief after Westlife star Nicky announced the news, the 26-year-old Dubliner quipped: “What a way to start the new year. That’s crazy.
“It has given me a new lease of life. After the past few years, the events industry has been left in the dark so it has been brilliant to do something that brings me so much joy.”
She admitted it was even sweeter after suffering a “wobble” in rehearsals earlier in the day, adding: “It was everything and more.”
Dressed in a yellow two piece, Erica set the dancefloor “on fire” with a sensational salsa to Kiss My (Uh Oh) by Anne Marie and Little Mix, choreographed by her professional partner Denys Samson, a newcomer to the RTE series this year.
Commenting afterwards, new judge Arthur Gourounlian said: “Week two and the dancefloor is already on fire. I can’t wait to see what you are going to bring next week. You came, slayed and conquered. Bravo.”
Brian Redmond said the dancer was “a little bit pigeon-toed” but credited the pair for nailing a typically challenging dance style.
He said: “Samba is a celebrity killer and apart from those little pieces of advice, you killed it.”
The RTE show began with some technical difficulties, where fans complained of the picture and sound being out of sync. It was quickly rectified before the night of dance kicked off with former RTE broadcaster Aengus Mac Grianna and Emily Barker making their debut.
Following Covid and self-isolation delays in the weeks leading up to the performance, viewers saw a whole new side to the former RTE newsreader as he danced a Charleston to Goody Two Shoes by Adam Ant.
After the performance, Aengus said: “I enjoyed every bit of it. There was some fear there to drive you forward, but I loved every minute.” Opening the judges’ comments Loraine said: “I didn’t expect that from you, you did a transformation doing this. The swivel, kick and fun element. Energy was a little bit low, but take a bow.”
Love Island star and marketing consultant Matthew MacNabb and Laura Nolan were up next, but failed to impress the judges with their
Viennese Waltz to Dangerously by Charlie Puth.
Judge Brian said: “A bit slow in places, it didn’t have enough bite. Timing issues. Take the power, learn the timing. Frame needs a bit of work, sort that and timing, and it will be better.”
Matthew and Laura finished at the bottom of the leaderboard with just 13 points from the judges. Rugby player Jordan Conroy and his professional partner Salome Chachua, were the third couple to take to the season two dance floor.
After an energetic salsa to Take You Dancing by Jason Derulo, judge Brian credited them for their jam-packed routine. He said: “You’re not shy, you two. Technical proficiencies.
“Lifts were more like lifts from a showdance in the final. Jordan, you are the man.” Jordan and Salome scored a solid 22 points from the judges.
Dubliner Hannah Kelly and her celebrity partner Aslan’s Billy McGuinness were up next.
After dancing a fun foxtrot to Monty Python’s Always Look On the Bright Side of Life, the music legend BiIly admitted: “I enjoyed it, it was overwhelming and very nerve-wracking.” Arthur led the judges comments saying: “Hello, Team Banana. What a partnership, I love it already. Age is just a number. You had fun, you made me happy.”
Billy and Hannah scored 16 points from the judges.
Paralympic swimmer Ellen Keane made the final splash of the night.
The gold-medallist danced a tango with her partner Stephen Vincent to Golden by Harry Styles.
After their dance Ellen said: “I’m so glad it’s over.” They got 21 points.
Once the voting lines opened, Nicky Byrne got the dancers’ feelings before viewers were treated to a wonderful Marilyn Monroe inspired showdance by John and Laura Nolan, who are both World Champion finalists.
All votes from shows one and two will carry forward to next week, at the end of which, the first couple will be eliminated.
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