Schapelle Corby was sent packing on Tuesday’s episode of Channel Seven’s reboot of Dancing with the Stars.
But a leading TV commentator has now suggested the convicted drug smuggler, 43, was ‘unfairly’ voted off the show by the judges.
Aaron Ryan of TV Blackbox said in an opinion piece that Schapelle, who previously appeared on Seven’s SAS: Australia, had three out of the four judges in her corner.
Was Schapelle Corby unfairly booted off Dancing With The Stars? TV commentator Aaron Ryan suggested the judges had actually ruled in favour of the convicted drug smuggler (pictured with her dance partner) before they switched to ex Bachelor star Matty J
On the night, Schapelle and former Bachelor Matty Johnson were the bottom two contestants who had to battle it out in a dance-off.
Mr Ryan explained that DWTS co-host Sonia Kruger told viewers the judges – Mark Wilson, Paul Mercurio, Todd McKenney and Helen Richey – would be making their final decision ‘based on that dance alone’.
Mark was the only one of the judges to vote for Matty without any hesitation.
On the night, Schapelle and Matty ‘J’ Johnson (pictured with his dance partner Ruby Gherbaz) were the bottom two contestants that had to battle it out in a dance-off
Co-host Sonia Kruger explained to audiences that the judges – Mark Wilson, Paul Mercurio, Todd McKenney and Helen Richey – would be making their final decision ‘based on that dance alone’
Tellingly, Todd pointed out that Schapelle had ‘danced so much better’ – an assessment both Paul and Helen agreed with.
But in the end, their favourable opinions of Schapelle’s performance didn’t count for much and she and dance partner Shae Mountain were sent packing.
Paul and Helen voted for Matty, overruling Todd and thus eliminating Schapelle.
He’s a firm fan: Mark was the only one of the four judges to vote for Matty J without any hesitation
Strictly Ballroom star Paul (right) threw his hat behind the former Bachelor, Todd (left) pointed out that Schapelle had ‘danced so much better’, to which both Paul and Helen (centre) agreed
One viewer commented on the DWTS Instagram page to say the judges made a ‘good choice’ to vote her off.
Others said they were glad to see Schapelle gone, arguing that a ‘convicted criminal’ shouldn’t be classed as a celebrity.
One critic wrote: ‘What was she doing on this show?! Or any show for that matter. Heads up – she most definitely is NOT a star.’
Safe for another show! But in the end, Todd’s opinion, and their seemingly favourable opinions on Schapelle’s performance were scrapped. Paul and Helen put their votes to Matty J – out ruling Todd and eliminating Schapelle
The last dance: Schapelle’s Charleston sent her home after just three appearances on Dancing With The Stars
‘What was she doing on this show?!’: There were quite a few harsh critics who weren’t sad to see her out of the competition, including one who said: ‘Yay, now I’m going to watch! Won’t be giving a convicted criminal ratings! Bad choice dancing!
Fortunately, there were viewers who praised Schapelle for her ‘cracking effort’.
‘She was so gracious and lovely, I wish her well,’ one supporter commented.
Schapelle competed as a ‘wildcard’ contestant on Dancing with the Stars, alongside Matty, Jessica Gomes and Renee Bargh.
The other participants have all appeared on the reality show before.
Well wishes: There were viewers who praised Schapelle for her ‘cracking effort’ and that ‘she had go’ at ballroom dancing. A third fan added: ‘She was so gracious and lovely, I wish her well’
TV debut: Schapelle made a brief appearance on the first season of SAS Australia last year
In October 2004, Schapelle became a household name when she was arrested at Bali airport with 4.2kg of cannabis wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag.
The world watched in May 2005 as she broke down in the Denpasar courtroom after being sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in Kerobokan Prison.
Following a series of sentence reductions, Schapelle was released on parole in February 2014, having served nine years behind bars.
Conviction: In October 2004, Schapelle became a household name when she was arrested at Bali airport with 4.2kg of cannabis wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag. She was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment In May 2005, but only served nine years behind bars