Latest news with #SharnaBurgess
The Age
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Dating my now fiancé looked complicated, but it's the easier thing I have done
This story is part of the July 13 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories. Sharna Burgess is best known as a judge on Dancing with the Stars Australia, but she has also appeared as a professional partner on the US series. Here, the 40-year-old talks about the men who helped influence her career choices, the soul mate who helped her at her lowest, and being engaged to a one-time teenage heartthrob. My paternal grandfather, Eric, was a well-respected businessman who worked in construction in Wagga Wagga. He used to make Donald Duck sounds, which made me giggle. I also remember him scooping up gravy off the plate with bread and butter. I inherited that from him! He died when I was in my teens. The family was never the same once he passed. My dad, Ray, died three years ago. We had a very complicated relationship for most of my life, but I know that in his heart he wanted the best for me. My dance career took me all over the world and landed me on television in America. Dad was the one who took me to classes – he was like a 'dance dad'. My parents divorced when I was a teen. I had some wonderful male dance teachers between the ages of 13 and 18 – Les Foley in Wagga Wagga and Paul Green and Paul Wilson in Sydney. They believed in me and pushed me and gave me the drive I have today. Dance is a gruelling sport and these men gave me the foundation in my life to compete. I also learnt how to teach by being taught by them. My first kiss happened at 13, at the movies. We had no idea what to do, and after it happened I remember thinking that I never wanted to be kissed by a boy again. But he was a sweetheart. We used to pass letters to one another on the bus. My half-brother, Jason, is 15 years older than me, from my dad's first marriage. When I was really young, I would hide in the closet just so he could find me and tickle me. And when I was just a kid, I invited him to my birthday sleepover. He probably had other things to do, but he turned up with his PJs and always made time for me. When I moved to London at 18, I met Patrick Helm, a German guy who was looking for a dance partner. I could never have imagined finding a soul mate in him, but we became friends and dance partners for seven years and are still in touch today. He was there for me in the hardest and darkest times in my life and I wouldn't be doing what I am without him. He will be in my wedding party. As a teenager in the '90s, I had a crush on Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys. In 2015, I was partnered with Nick on America's Dancing with the Stars and had no idea who my partner was until he started walking towards me. I was like, 'You're kidding!' I had a fan-girl moment. I worked with Nick for three months. He's an amazing man.
Sydney Morning Herald
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Dating my now fiancé looked complicated, but it's the easier thing I have done
This story is part of the July 13 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories. Sharna Burgess is best known as a judge on Dancing with the Stars Australia, but she has also appeared as a professional partner on the US series. Here, the 40-year-old talks about the men who helped influence her career choices, the soul mate who helped her at her lowest, and being engaged to a one-time teenage heartthrob. My paternal grandfather, Eric, was a well-respected businessman who worked in construction in Wagga Wagga. He used to make Donald Duck sounds, which made me giggle. I also remember him scooping up gravy off the plate with bread and butter. I inherited that from him! He died when I was in my teens. The family was never the same once he passed. My dad, Ray, died three years ago. We had a very complicated relationship for most of my life, but I know that in his heart he wanted the best for me. My dance career took me all over the world and landed me on television in America. Dad was the one who took me to classes – he was like a 'dance dad'. My parents divorced when I was a teen. I had some wonderful male dance teachers between the ages of 13 and 18 – Les Foley in Wagga Wagga and Paul Green and Paul Wilson in Sydney. They believed in me and pushed me and gave me the drive I have today. Dance is a gruelling sport and these men gave me the foundation in my life to compete. I also learnt how to teach by being taught by them. My first kiss happened at 13, at the movies. We had no idea what to do, and after it happened I remember thinking that I never wanted to be kissed by a boy again. But he was a sweetheart. We used to pass letters to one another on the bus. My half-brother, Jason, is 15 years older than me, from my dad's first marriage. When I was really young, I would hide in the closet just so he could find me and tickle me. And when I was just a kid, I invited him to my birthday sleepover. He probably had other things to do, but he turned up with his PJs and always made time for me. When I moved to London at 18, I met Patrick Helm, a German guy who was looking for a dance partner. I could never have imagined finding a soul mate in him, but we became friends and dance partners for seven years and are still in touch today. He was there for me in the hardest and darkest times in my life and I wouldn't be doing what I am without him. He will be in my wedding party. As a teenager in the '90s, I had a crush on Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys. In 2015, I was partnered with Nick on America's Dancing with the Stars and had no idea who my partner was until he started walking towards me. I was like, 'You're kidding!' I had a fan-girl moment. I worked with Nick for three months. He's an amazing man.
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dancing With The Stars shock elimination as beloved TV star becomes the second celebrity booted from the ballroom
Another celebrity has twirled off the Dancing With The Stars dance floor for good. In a surprise twist, 7News Melbourne presenter Karina Carvalho was sent packing during Sunday night's episode, becoming the second contestant to be eliminated from the hit Channel Seven competition. Despite putting her best foot forward alongside professional partner Andrey Gorbunov with a sizzling salsa, the judges weren't completely sold. Karina showed clear improvement from her first performance, with judge Sharna Burgess applauding her transformation, while Helen Richey called her efforts 'impressive'. But Craig Revel Horwood, never one to hold back, wanted to see 'more hip action', and it wasn't enough to keep her safe from elimination. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Following her shock exit, Karina paid tribute to her dance partner, telling the audience: 'Andrey is not just a fantastic, highly qualified dancer, he's such a great teacher and he's so patient and he's put together the most beautiful choreography for us.' It was a tough night overall, as the second group of celebrities hit the floor for their round-two routines - each hoping to avoid the dreaded chop. Opening the show was Home and Away actor Kyle Shilling, who took on an emotional Viennese waltz with Lily Cornish. While Craig said it felt more like a 'contemporary freestyle', he still declared it 'absolutely amazing'. But not all feedback was glowing - Helen Richey urged Kyle to work on his ballroom frame, while Sharna advised him to 'learn how to lead'. Meanwhile, all eyes were on Mia Fevola, who stole the night with a heartfelt Viennese waltz danced to the same track her mother Alex performed to years earlier. Judges were visibly moved, with Mark Wilson calling the performance 'flawless', Craig describing it as 'absolutely gorgeous' and Sharna urging Mia to believe in herself. Shaun Micallef brought his signature wit and theatrical flair to a foxtrot with Ash-Leigh Hunter. While some judges were charmed, Craig called it 'smoke and mirrors' and accused him of using facial expressions to 'mask all the terrible technique'. Helen, however, loved 'Mr Suave' and admired his respect for the genre. Osher Günsberg returned with a jive that had the judges doing a double take. 'You must have a twin,' joked Helen, praising the dramatic improvement. Sharna said his performance skills were so strong, they masked any remaining issues with his footwork - while Craig and Mark agreed he had finally come alive on the dancefloor. Closing the night was comedian Felicity Ward with partner Aric Yegudkin, who delivered a cha-cha-cha full of sass and precision. Judges couldn't get enough - with Helen calling her a 'natural dancer', Craig praising her rhythm, and Sharna confidently predicting: 'We're gonna see you right at the end of this competition.' But it was Mia Fevola and Gustavo Viglio who topped the leaderboard with 34 points -a clear standout among the stars.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dancing with the Stars judges' riders REVEALED: Dressing room 'special demands' include some surprising items
They are the high profile cast of one of the most popular shows on Australian TV. And the judges of Dancing with the Stars - Craig Revel Horwood, Helen Richey, Sharna Burgess, and Mark Wilson - turn on the glamour under the lights. But according to a new interview, they like to keep things simple behind the scenes, making few demands on the producers for their 'dressing room' hospitality. All four of the DWTS judges sat down with this week's New Idea to reveal their 'riders' - showbiz slang for 'special demands' - and their 'confessions' were surprising. For former ballroom dazzler, and long-term Dancing with the Stars guru Helen Richey, 78, told the publication that she only needs, 'Fresh fruit and a comfortable chair'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Judge Sharna Burgess confessed that her tastes for dressing room treats backstage have changed since her first stint on DWTS in 2009. 'Eight years ago you'd see tequila, beer, coffee and a veggie plate,' she told the publication. 'These days its all about electrolytes, fruit and water. Oh, and Red Bull, which I never drink unless I'm judging. 'This mama's bedtime is 8.30pm so the caffeine hit has to be extra large.' Mark Wilson told New Idea that while he tried to keep his backstage beverage to 'sparkling' water and 'healthy snacks. His co-star and judge Craig Revel Horwood can 'show up [in his dressing room] with French wine'. 'And suddenly its party central,' he joked, adding, 'One minute I'm judging the cha-cha and the next I'm yelling ''Craig where's my hair?' 'It all starts with sparkling water and healthy snacks, but then Craig shows up with his French wine and suddenly its party central in the dressing room.' Craig, meanwhile, admitted only to having a taste for 'savoury Shapes with French onion dip' as his favourite dressing room fare. It comes as the 2025 season of Dancing With The Stars Australia is already causing a stir - and it's not because of the cha-cha. A bombshell report reveals the jaw-dropping salaries being pocketed by this year's celebrity cast. At the top of the earnings ladder are three powerhouse TV names, actress Rebecca Gibney, long-time Bachelor and Masked Singer host Osher Günsberg, and comedy icon Shaun Micallef. All three are reportedly cashing in with a hefty $100,000 payday for their appearances on the hit Channel Seven series, according to Woman's Day. 'Those names bring legacy, credibility and built-in fan bases,' one well-placed production insider told Daily Mail Australia. 'Producers know they're worth the investment.' Meanwhile, Olympic swimming legend Susie O'Neill, AFL premiership hero Trent Cotchin, and 7News anchor Michael Usher are said to be sitting in the middle tier, each earning $47,000. A slew of younger and emerging stars - including radio host Brittany Hockley, influencer Mia Fevola, Olympic boxer Harry Garside, comedian Felicity Ward, Home and Away star Kyle Shilling and newsreader Karina Carvalho - will all reportedly take home just $27,000 each. 'Some of them were surprised by how little they were offered,' claimed another insider. 'But for newer names or those looking to raise their profile, the exposure is worth more than the pay packet.' Industry insiders say the vast salary divide comes down to a mix of legacy status, network loyalty, and public appeal. 'Big-name veterans like Rebecca and Osher command the highest fees because viewers know and love them,' the source said.
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brittany Hockley brutally slammed by judges on Dancing With The Stars - after revealing she suffered a X-rated wardrobe malfunction
Dancing With The Stars returned to Channel Seven on Sunday night with a bang - and one contestant who definitely made an impression was radio star Brittany Hockley. But it wasn't all glitter and glamour for the Life Uncut podcaster, who was slammed by notoriously tough judge Craig Revel Horwood, who didn't hold back. 'You looked like you were drunk and lost at the party,' Craig said bluntly after Brittany's high-energy cha-cha performance with partner Craig Monley. 'There was no hip action… It was too upright. Every spin lacked spotting. And point your feet in the lifts, darling. No clumpy feet!' Despite the scathing critique, Brittany managed to win over the other judges – and the audience – with her infectious energy and unfiltered charm. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She even shocked the crowd by revealing a wardrobe malfunction that could have turned X-rated during rehearsals. 'For everyone playing at home, my skirt came off today… multiple times while I was dancing,' she told co-host Sonia Kruger. 'It threw my confidence in the rehearsal, thinking it would happen again. And no one needs to see me in a G-string!' Fellow judge Sharna Burgess praised Brittany's resilience, saying: 'You had a crappy dress rehearsal, but an amazing show. You're infectious to watch.' Helen Richey added: 'You're totally uninhibited. Sure, there were a few hiccups, but you looked like you were loving every minute of it. You're full of potential.' Mark Wilson echoed similar sentiments, describing Brittany as 'vivacious' and full of 'beautiful energy'. The judges weren't the only ones watching closely – host Sonia Kruger couldn't help but joke that this was the 'first time in eight seasons' she'd seen Craig Monley smile. Brittany, 37, later laughed off the ordeal, heading upstairs to the skybox to reflect on the performance. Meanwhile, 7 presenter Michael Usher (pictured) shocked everyone, soaring to the top of the leaderboard with 27 points and unanimous praise from the judges 'I had fun,' she said. 'Definitely nailed it better in practice. Still catching my breath!' But Brittany wasn't the only star making waves in the season premiere. Olympic boxer Harry Garside delivered an energetic jive full of daring lifts, prompting Mark to jump to his feet and demand an encore. Despite scoring 21, the panel was split - Sharna called for more 'refinement,' Craig called it 'messy,' while Helen boldly predicted Harry could be 'the heavyweight in this competition.' Swimming legend Susie O'Neil performed a shaky tango, landing the night's lowest score of 13. But the judges admired her courage and clear improvement since rehearsals. Meanwhile, 7NEWS presenter Michael Usher shocked everyone, soaring to the top of the leaderboard with 27 points and unanimous praise from the judges for his musicality and charisma. Closing the show, Rebecca Gibney lit up the floor with a cheeky cha-cha-cha. The performance, while technically flawed, was a crowd-pleaser. 'So wrong, it was right,' said Mark.
