Dancing With The Stars lost a fan favorite after two beloved contestants faced off in a tense showdown.
Chef Hayden Quinn was kicked off the show after losing a dance contest to comedian Nikki Osborne.
Despite finishing in the middle of the pack, both Hayden and Nikki placed in the bottom two, while the studio audience backed Nova Peris and Shane Crawford.
To kick off the show, Nikki added drama and passion with her Poison Ivy-inspired Tango, earning 26 points.
Hayden’s rumba was also significantly better than her last dance, with her sensual and rhythmic performance earning 27 points.
Singer Samantha Jade topped the rankings, receiving 34 points for her upbeat samba.
Judge Mark Wilson urged the rest of the competition to watch out for Shane after he showed off his sophisticated side with a Viennese waltz that earned 26 points.
Olympian Nova let her nerves get the better of her as she performed her Jive.
Dancing With The Stars has lost a fan favourite. Chef Hayden Quinn (pictured) was booted from the show after losing a dance competition to comedian Nikki Osborne
Judge Sharna Burgess said she “had the feel of the jive, but not the technique,” before Nova was awarded 19 points.
In an unexpected twist, the studio audience supported Nova and Shane with their votes.
Combined with the judges’ scores, Nikki and Hayden competed in the elimination dance-off.
After Hayden’s Waltz and Nikki’s Charleston, the judges voted to save Nikki, sending Hayden home.
Hayden, 37, took the loss in stride and thanked his dance partner Lily Cornish for her guidance.
Hayden accepted the loss in stride and thanked her dance partner Lily Cornish (pictured) for her guidance and mentorship.
Nikki (pictured) gave it her all in the elimination dance.
“It was an incredible night. I’ve been incredibly lucky to be by Lily’s side throughout this whole experience,” she said.
“She’s an amazing teacher. She’s amazing, she’s powerful. So a big round of applause for her.”
Viewers who tuned into the show were not happy with the outcome and many shared their opinions on X.
“If the trial is going to be this stupid, I’m not watching it anymore,” one person posted.
“That result was a disaster,” said another, while someone else wrote: “Hayden is out?! That’s nonsense!”
“Hayden and Lilly don’t deserve to be sent home. It should have been Nova,” wrote another.
“I’m happy for Nikki, but very sad for Hayden. She could have won! Others don’t deserve to be there anymore,” said someone else.
Next week the stars will face a double elimination with two dancers set to leave.
