It's a crash and Byrne

Irish hero given boot from RTE series

-  SANDRA MALLON

RUGBY legend Shane Byrne has been kicked into touch on Dancing With The Stars as he became the fifth celebrity to be voted off the show last night.

Shane and dance partner Karen Byrne just didn't convince the judges or the viewers as they bid farewell to the hit RTE show.

However, Wicklow man Shane, 51, refused to be too downbeat as he departed, saying he had a "fantastic" experience.

He said: "Life is all about experiences and this was one hell of an experience." It came as the remaining celebrities were put through their paces as part of Orchestra Week.

The episode saw the RTE Concert Orchestra in the studio to play each piece of music live as each couple pulled out all the stops to stay in the competition.

The show opened in spectacular style as all the celebrity and pro dancers showcased their skills on the floor to the track I Got Rhythm.

Comedian and actor Kevin McGahern and Laura Nolan opened the show with their elegant foxtrot to Elton John's Rocket Man.

Judge Loraine Barry was impressed as she said: "How magnificent it is to have the RTE Concert Orchestra to open the show tonight. Foxtrot is the Rolls Royce of dance. The footwork was excellent." Kevin and Laura scored 24 points.

The second couple to dance were entrepreneur Suzanne Jackson and Michael Danilczuk.

Despite dealing with an injury during the week, Suzanne put that aside, and gave her best steps to the Charleston as the orchestra preformed Hot Honey Ray from the Chicago OST live in studio.

Loraine said: "The swivels were absolute fantastic.

"I think this was a remarkable performance."  

Fellow judge Arthur Gourounlian added: "What injury? What an energy.