Michael and Anna Waltz Off the Dance Floor (ABC)

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Knocks Off Two More

by Tracy Phillips
Nov 3rd, 2009 | 11:20 PM | Comments 85

As we reach the halfway point of Season 9 on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ it’s time to start tossing the ones who are just ‘messing about’ as Len Goodman likes to say. And one of Len’s favorites had his last dance.

The ballroom blitz finally tackled former NFL star Michael Irvin, the first contestant eliminated during Tuesday’s results show.

The charismatic athlete flashed his charming grin one last time as he got a standing ovation, comforted by the fact that he went out on a high note by earning his highest score ever of 23.

“To see everyone here standing up, it’s their way of showing they appreciate your hard work,” Irvin said, “and that means a great deal to everyone right now in this country.”

But he didn’t go out as a solo act, since this was another ‘boot two for the price of one.’

Mark Dacascos was the second celebrity cut from the competition, after a spectacular, high-energy dance-off with Aaron Carter (who continues to be oblivious to his own unlikability) and Karina Smirnoff.

When it comes to the knock-off dances between the Bottom Two contestants, the judges make the final call on who to save, and they admitted this choice was a “very difficult decision.” Bruno said both dancers “delivered splendid performances;” Len said they could not have danced any harder; and Carrie Ann called them each “top notch.” But their unanimous verdict sent the ‘Iron Chef’ star on his way.

Dacascos had a run of bad luck when his partner Lacey Schwimmer caught the ‘DWTS’ flu, forcing Mark to practice with three different partners this week, which likely contributed to his downfall. After weeks of high marks, the martial-arts actor scored just 19 points for his chaotic samba Monday night and dedicated his knock-off dance to his children.

“It’s certainly much harder than it looks on television,” Dacascos said. “The bond you create with the pros, my dancer, the other celebrities, it’s really special.”

Best Line of the Night: “You can turn more tricks than Heidi Fleiss.”–Bruno to Mark, on his kung-fu moves.

Five contestants remain in the game, who will perform two brand new individual routines next Monday in a battle for a spot in the semi-finals.