Dancing with the Stars is back for 2023, with Human Nature’s Phil Burton becoming the latest celebrity to take home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
“I’ve had the absolute time of my life. It’s a competition, but it doesn’t feel like it when you are out here with all these amazing people,” Burton told his fellow dancers.
Which of the 2023 hopefuls will bop to the top?
(Image: Seven Network)Throughout the season, the star’s skills began to shine through, with their newfound dancing talent seeing them climb to the top of the leaderboard, and even earning the perfect score!
While some may have scored 10’s across the board, unfortunately, not every contestant had the opportunity to continue to hone their latest moves and were sadly told to leave the floor.
As we look back on the 2023 season, scroll down to find out who has left the dancefloor.
Matt Preston
In a shock decision, former MasterChef judge Matt Preston decided to leave the dancefloor as a result of an injury.
“I’ve loved everything about this, but my ankle is cooked,” Preston said, with the TV chef unable to compete in the dance-off against AFL star Gavin Wanganeen after landing in the bottom two.
“I can’t dance again tonight so what I want to do is to concede and give the win to Gavin, who did brilliantly today, and I’m so proud to be doing this for you, brother,” added Preston.
Preston’s noble decision was met by bittersweet reactions from the judges, with both the cast and fans sad to see Preston depart the show.
“You’re absolutely doing the right thing, and thank you for giving us determination and your courage. You’ve been wonderful,” said judge Sharna Burgess.
Charlie Albone
Better Homes and Gardens host Charlie Albone was the second contestant to depart Dancing with the Stars after landing in the bottom two against former Olympic hurdler Sally Pearson.
Despite executing two lifts without a single drop during his Rumba, Albone sadly received a score of 17, with judge Mark Wilson telling the Better Homes and Gardens star that “there’s an awkwardness” to his dance floor moves.
Although Charlie and his partner Ruby tried their best during the final dance-off, the audience decided that it was time for him to hang up his dancing shoes.
Gavin Wanganeen
Gavin Wanganeen
Aussie Rules Football legend Gavin Wanganeen was sadly the first to be sent home during the triple elimination.
Wanganeen took to the dancefloor shortly after recovering from a recent back injury; performing a Rumba that was loved by fans.
Unfortunately, his comeback performance was not enough to progress through to the Grand Finale.
James Magnussen
James Magnussen
While former Olympic swimmer James Magnussen dazzled audiences with his graceful Viennese Waltz, the star’s score of 26 landed him in the middle of the pack.
The couple were up against Paulini and Issa Shultz in the final dance-off but sadly, the judges decided he would not be returning to the dance-floor.
Issa Schultz
Issa Schultz
The Chaser star Issa Schultz brought the power his Rolling Stones Paso Doble.
Although Schultz scored 10’s across the board for his commitment, his performance was only enough to amuse the judges and he was sadly sent home.
Pia Miranda
Pia Miranda
Looking for Alibrandi star Pia Miranda stunned audiences with her Dracula themed Paso Doble.
While judge Mark Wilson called it “her best routine she’s done so far,” she unfortunately landed narrowly in the bottom three dance-off and did not make it through to the finale.
Sally Pearson
Sally Pearson
Former Olympic hurdler Sally Pearson brought the fire to the dancefloor with her dystopian Tango.
Despite her captivating performance, Pearson’s quest for the Mirrorball Trophy sadly came to an end after she landed in the bottom two.
Laura Byrne
Laura Byrne
Former The Bachelor contestant Laura Byrne spiced up the dancefloor with her Cha Cha.
Unfortunately, Byrne received a score of 19, placing her at the bottom of the leaderboard and 12 points behind the rest of the pack.
While Laura tried to twirl her way back into the competition during the dance-off, she was sadly sent home.
Paulini
Paulini
Final six hopeful Paulini brought the energy to the dancefloor in her Grand Finale freestyle performance.
Despite her fun-filled performance, Paulini was placed at the bottom of the leaderboard and was sadly out of the running for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Mary Coustas
Mary Coustas
Acropolis Now star Mary Coustas delivered an emotional final performance to Andra Day’s Rise Up.
While her freestyle was enough to impress the audience, it unfortunately did not get the same reception from the judges, with Coustas scoring the second lowest result of 31.
Christie Whelan Browne
Christie Whelan Browne
Virginia Gay
Virginia Gay
Winners & Losers star Virginia Gay brought the Great Gatsby flair to her finale performance.
While her retro freestyle scored a perfect ten for personality, the judges score placed her last dance in third.,
Emily Weir
Emily Weir
Home and Away star Emily Weir dazzled the audience during her Spice Girls inspired final freestyle.
Although Weir remained a consistent front-runner and fan favourite throughout the season, she unfortunately just missed out on Grand Finale glory, with Weir and her partner Lyu Masuda being crowned this season’s runners up.
