Love/Hate star Johnny Ward Cha-Cha-Chas into week six of 'Dancing With The Stars'

By Kim O'Leary

It was another intense weekend of dancing for the celebrities on 'Dancing With The Stars Ireland', with TV stylist Darren Kennedy the third celebrity to be eliminated from the show.

The weekend's theme of ''Most Memorable Year' where the stars got to pick a song from a standout moment in their lives and actor Johnny Ward and his professional dance partner Emily Barker chose the year 1998, which is when Johnny realised that he 'wanted to become a showman' and joined a Boyzone tribute act.

Clondalkin native Johnny, who has links to Kildare having previously taught acting classes in Kilcullen, said that the weekend's dance routine was 'hands down the most difficult week of this competition.'

He said: "When I saw the dance on Monday I just said 'I can't, I can't, I can't'." But after a hard week of practice in the studio, the duo danced an energetic Cha-cha-cha to Boyzone's Picture of You, earning them 20 points and a standing ovation from the crowd, as well as praise from the judges.

Judge Lorraine Barry commended Johnny and Emily on their version of the Cha-cha-cha, although she said that the lifts and jumps weren't part of an authentic Cuban Cha-cha-cha, adding that her assessment was 'tough love.'

Meanwhile, Julian Benson said that Johnny was the "Greatest Showman in this contest hands down", praising their modern take on the classic Cuban Cha-cha-cha. Brian Redmond praised Johnny for his clear passion but said his dances need 'more character.' He said: "You're a great performer, the energy is there, just give us that essence."

Presenter Mairead Ronan topped the leader board as she and her dance partner John Nolan chose 2007, the year she became a mother, dancing a contemporary routine to Take That's Rule The World, scooping 25 points.

Other notable performances included Dublin footballer Denis Bastick and his dance partner Valeria Milova's impressive Charleston to Snap!'s The Power for a score of 23, choosing the year 2011 after he first became an All-Ireland winner. Also, The Young Offenders starlet Demi Isaac Oviawe and her dance partner Kai Widdrington gave an emotional performance, paying tribute to her late father in her performance to Dance With My Father, earning a score of 16 for their efforts.

However, the it was the end of the line for TV stylist and Dublin native Darren Kennedy and his partner reigning champion Karen Byrne, as their salsa failed to strike a note with viewers at home and they earned 18 points.

Next week will see an interesting turn of events with all of the celebrity dancers switching partners for 'Switch-Up' week. 'Dancing With The Stars' will next grace screens on Sunday, February 10 on RTE One at 6.30pm.