Another Surprise Elimination On ‘Dancing’

Bristol Palin landed at the bottom of the leaderboard once again on Monday night’s “Dancing with the Stars,” but on Tuesday’s elimination show, it was revealed that she managed to survive another week on the ABC reality competition.

Rick Fox, who earned his highest scores of the season with partner Cheryl Burke the night before, was instead the competitor who went home, something that came as a shock to the judges.

Carrie Ann Inaba dropped her jaw, while Len Goodman held his hands in the air in disbelief.

Rick’s daughter, Sasha, who was in the audience alongside his girlfriend, Eliza Dushku, also appeared surprised by the news, as the camera panned to the youngster, whose mouth opened in shock.

As for Rick, the former NBA star didn’t realize his elimination was coming, but he took the news well.

“I didn’t have any idea,” he told show hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke. “You stay in a positive frame of mind. It is, though, the seventh week and numbers do decline and someone goes home at the end of tonight.”

Rick, a former member of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, said being on the program was a joy, and he apprecaited what the show did for his life.

“It’s been a transformational journey for me. It’s been amazing. My relationship has transformed with my girlfriend, my daughter. It’s the most enjoyable time having her here and sharing this with me as well,” he said.

The tallest contender ever on “Dancing” -– he’s 6’7” — also had kind words for his partner, Cheryl Burke, who as a result of his elimination, is out of the competition too (meaning she is out of the race to be the first pro to win “DWTS” three times).

“Cheryl, you did an amazing job working with a tall, jolly green giant,” Rick laughed, referring to his foxtrot suit.

Derek Hough, who is dancing with Jennifer Grey, and Mark Ballas, who is paired with Bristol Palin, are the two remaining pros who are in the running to win their third mirrorball.

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