Brian Kennedy is Out: The Mask is Off After DWTS Elimination

BRIAN Kennedy became the second celebrity to be booted off season nine of RTE Dancing With The Stars. Things heated up majorly tonight for Movie Week with the eleven remaining celebrities putting their best foot forward in an attempt to stay in the competition. Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox, who’s filling in for Doireann Garrihy while she’s on maternity returned on air to host the show. And the judging panel Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian, Karen Byrne were back with new judge Oti Mabuse to give their honest opinions and all important scores. Last week, Michael Fry became the first celebrity of season nine to be eliminated. And tonight Brian Kennedy’s journey was cut short as he received the least amount of votes. Speaking about his departure, Brian said: “The mask is off. That’s it. Well, I had so much fun. I had a great time. I had such a laugh.” Jennifer said: “We loved having you, but are you ready for one more spin in the spotlight?” Brian replied: “Absolutely. And a big sleep then as well, please.” The author and his pro partner James Cutler did the paso doble to The Phantom of the Opera. The songwriter showed a different side of him tonight bringing the drama and was out of breathe by the end of it but only managed to get 15 points. After their routine, Brian Redmond remarked: “Paso is based on a march not a walk, and you look like you went on a Sunday stroll during that.” Karen remarked: “Brian I loved the opening! But it needed a little bit more from you though.” Paudie Moloney and Stephanie Kelly were also in the bottom three tonight. RTE viewers were sad to see Brian leaving the show. Catherine wrote: “I love Paudie but he should have gone tonight. Gutted for Brian.” Liam tweeted: “Brian wasn’t the best dancer, but you can tell he enjoyed his time on the show. He really is living his best life a decade after a health scare. Positive lad.” Mary added: “Definitely under-marked!!” Becky commented: “Well done @briansingingkennedy and Jamie @cutlerjm you did amazing! Absolutely gutted to see you go.” SUPER PERFORMANCE Philip Doyle kicked off the show looking heroic to dance the paso doble to the Superman Theme song with his partner Daniela Roze. The Olympian brought the blockbuster to life and got 29 points overall. Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba were up next doing the cha-cha-cha to Car Wash from Shark Tale. The singer had a whale of a time on the dance floor but Brian wasn’t too impressed with her footwork and she ended up with 26 points. Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini danced the American smooth to Whistle While You Work from Snow White. The Rose of Tralee star was hoping to get her fairytale ending and got her wish. MUSICAL MADNESS Her performance, which was filled with lifts, even managed to “put a smile” on grumpy Brian’s face and she got a whopping 35 points. Anne Cassin and Robert Rowiński cha-cha-cha’d on the dance floor to Fame. The journalist certainly looked the part but got just 18 points. Stephanie Kelly and Ervinas Merfeldas did the quickstep to You’re The One That I Want from Grease. The Fair City star was in her element as Sandy and impressed the judges and got 27 points. The first female couple Amber Wilson and Alex Vladimirov transformed into Elphaba and Glinda for the night to do a contemporary ballroom dance to For Good from Wicked: For Good. SHOW STOPPING DANCE And the podcaster brought her A-game tonight with her sister Vogue Williams cheering her on in the audience. The Dubliner got 22 points from the judges. Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney channelled his inner Fred Flinstone doing the Charleston with his partner Laura Nolan to Meet The Flinstones. And while Karen noted that there was a “few dodgy swivels” and saly Paudie just got 16 points. Niamh Kavanagh and Stephen Vincent did the foxtrot to her very own song Destination Anywhere from The Commitments. The Eurovision star gave an emotional performance and got 23 points. Eric Roberts and new professional dancer Arianna Favaro did a saucy samba to Cuban Pete from The Mask. And while the judges wanted some more hip action from the Ireland AM host, he still got a great score of 31 points. Jordan Dargan and Rebecca Scott performed a contemporary ballroom piece to Avatar’s Pandora. The Apprentice star absolutely blew the judges away at home and he got three nines and an eight – which meant he drew with Katelyn at top of the leaderboard with 35 points.