Unexpected Exit: 'Let's Dance' Couple Eliminated for Lack of Rhythm

The popular dance competition show 'Let's Dance' has seen a surprising twist as one of its couples has been eliminated following a recent episode. The culinary figure Roland Trettl and his dance partner Kathrin Menzinger faced elimination after their performance was deemed insufficient to garner enough support from both the jury and viewers.

The couple attempted a tango routine to the classic rock track 'TNT' by ACDC. Despite earning a total of 15 points from the judges--more than three other competing couples--they were unable to secure enough votes from the audience to stay in the competition. Juror Joachim Llambi expressed his disappointment, suggesting that Trettl's performance lacked the emotional connection expected in a dance, comparing his movements to the character Quasimodo from the Disney adaptation of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame.'

Prior to the elimination, another contestant, the visually impaired swimmer Taliso Engel, who had been favored by the audience, also faced scrutiny. Engel and his partner Patricija Ionel had received a direct ticket from the audience to proceed into the competition, ensuring that they would not be eliminated in the first round. However, their performance in the recent episode--a Rumba set to Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up'--did not impress the judges. Engel was awarded only one point from Llambi and a total of nine points overall.

Llambi criticized Engel's timing, stating that he was out of sync for a significant portion of the performance. Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for more skill in executing the complex choreography of a Rumba. Engel acknowledged his struggles during that week, indicating that he found it challenging to blend the various movements into a cohesive dance.

In the same round, singer Ben Zucker and actress Simone Thomalla also found themselves in a precarious position, managing only 13 points from the jury. However, like Engel, they were saved from elimination thanks to favorable public votes. This season has seen a mix of surprises, with another couple--comedian Osan Yaran and professional dancer Christina Hänni--already eliminated in the previous week.

The next round of 'Let's Dance' is set to take place on Friday, March 14, where remaining couples will once again showcase their skills in hopes of securing their place in the competition.