Dancing With The Stars has lost a fan favourite after two beloved contestants faced a tense showdown.
Chef Hayden Quinn was punted from the show after losing a dance off to comedian Nikki Osborne.
Despite finishing in the middle of the pack, both Hayden and Nikki were placed in the bottom two, as the studio audience backed Nova Peris and Shane Crawford.
Kicking off the show, Nikki bought the drama and passion with her Poison Ivy-inspired Tango, earning 26 points.
Hayden’s Rumba was also significantly better than his last dance, with his sensual and rhythmic performance earning 27 points.
Singer Samantha Jade topped the leaderboard, receiving 34 points for her upbeat Samba.
Judge Mark Wilson told the rest of the competition to watch out for Shane, after he showed off his sophisticated side with a Viennese Waltz that scored 26 points.
Olympian Nova let nerves get the better of her as she performed her Jive.
Dancing With The Stars has lost a fan favourite. Chef Hayden Quinn (pictured) was punted from the show after losing a dance off to comedian Nikki Osborne
Judge Sharna Burgess said she ‘gave the vibe of the Jive, if not the technique,’ before Nova received 19 points.
In a twist, the studio audience got behind Nova and Shane with their votes.
Combined with the judges scores it was Nikki and Hayden competing in the elimination dance-off.
After Hayden’s Waltz and Nikki’s Charleston, the judges voted to save Nikki, sending Hayden home.
Hayden, 37, took the loss in his stride and thanked his dance partner Lily Cornish for her guidance.
Hayden took the loss in his stride and thanked his dance partner Lily Cornish (pictured) for her guidance and mentorship
Nikki (pictured) gave it her all in the elimination dance-off. Pictured in her Poison Ivy-inspired Tango
‘It was an amazing night. This whole experience, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be standing next to Lily,’ he said.
‘She’s an amazing teacher. She’s incredible, powerful. So, big round of applause for her’.
Viewers tuning in were not happy with the result, with many sharing their thoughts on X.
‘If the judging is going to be this stupid I’m not watching any more,’ one person posted.
‘That result was a hot mess,’ said another with someone else writing, ‘Hayden is out?! That’s bulls**t!’
‘Hayden and Lilly don’t deserve to be sent home. It should’ve been Nova,’ one more wrote.
‘Happy for Nikki, but so incredibly sad for Hayden, he could’ve won this! Others don’t deserve to still be there,’ someone else said.
Next week the stars will face a double elimination with two dancers set to exit.