Dancing With The Stars Australia wasted no time raising the stakes. On Sunday, June 29, 2025, Seven and 7plus aired the season’s first elimination. Susie O’Neill, Olympic champion and national treasure, became the first to leave the floor.
O’Neill, dancing with Lyu Masuda, tackled a foxtrot that was light in charm but short on polish. Judge Craig Revel Horwood didn’t sugarcoat it, calling her training “seven weeks and seven hours a day wasted.” O’Neill smiled through it. She had already won a personal victory by showing up at all.
The strongest impression came from Brittany Hockley and Craig Monley, who launched a high-speed samba that took them to the top of the leaderboard. Veteran judge Mark Wilson didn’t hesitate, telling the others to pay close attention.
Trent Cotchin, partnered with Jess Raffa, danced a foxtrot dedicated to his family. He’s clearly out of his comfort zone but used that to his advantage. Sharna Burgess applauded his progress. It was genuine and it landed.
Michael Usher and Natalie Lowe opened the show with a paso doble that split the panel. His physicality was praised, though the footwork drew some pushback. Still, he seemed more engaged than in previous outings. Later, Helen Richey singled him out for bringing heart to the competition.
Actor Rebecca Gibney waltzed with Ian Waite to her wedding song. It was elegant but lacked the technical precision needed to climb the ranks. Boxer Harry Garside performed a contemporary routine that connected emotionally. Richey warned him not to coast. Burgess said he’s the kind of male role model young viewers need.
Final leaderboard for the night:
Brittany Hockley and Craig Monley: 31
Trent Cotchin and Jess Raffa: 30
Michael Usher and Natalie Lowe: 25
Harry Garside and Siobhan Power: 25
Rebecca Gibney and Ian Waite: 25
Susie O’Neill and Lyu Masuda: 15
O’Neill’s exit closes the first chapter, but the floor remains crowded. Next Sunday at 7:00 PM, Kyle Shilling, Karina Carvalho, Mia Fevola, Shaun Micallef, Osher Günsberg, and Felicity Ward will all dance to stay in the game.
