In the second last episode of Dancing With The Stars, the second group of stars took on the semi-finals, with Phil Burton, Virginia Gay and Christie Whelan Browne making their way through to the Grand Finale; while Pia Miranda, Sally Pearson and Laura Byrne took their last spin on the dance floor.
Virginia Gay stole the show with a perfect-scoring Foxtrot, which judge Sharna Burgess described as “damn sexy”.
Hot on her heels was Human Nature singer Phil Burton, who wowed the judges with his own enchanting Foxtrot. Scoring 39 points, judge Todd McKenney commented that their routine was so good he wanted to learn it.
Laura Byrne’s nerves got the better of her as she blanked part of her Cha Cha routine, while Sally Pearson overcame a few mistakes in her ferocious Tango.
Christie Whelan Browne’s unique take on the Samba had the judges in awe, however, Todd believed that further connection with her partner Craig would have earned her a perfect score.
Sharna stepped out from behind the desk and on to the floor, along with the female professional dancers, to perform a routine. Pia Miranda’s Paso Doble transported viewers to Transylvania, with the spin on Dracula sucking in Mark Wilson, who said it was “her best routine she’s done so far”.
After the audience vote, Virginia and Phil were the first couples through to the Grand Finale, while Sally Pearson was eliminated.
Pia, Laura and Christie all competed in the dance off, where the judges all agreed that Christie must go through to the Grand Finale.
The final leaderboard for the night was:
• Virginia Gay and Ian Waite – 40
• Phil Burton and Ash-Leigh Hunter – 39
• Christie Whelan Browne and Craig Monley – 37
• Pia Miranda and Declan Taylor – 33
• Sally Pearson and Mitch Kirkby – 31
• Laura Byrne and Danil Saveliev – 19
The finale of Dancing With The Stars premieres at 7:00 pm on Sunday, 23 July on Seven and 7plus.