Simon Barnett didn’t get off to the best start on this season of Dancing with the Stars NZ, but the radio host with the much-talked-about ‘dad-bod’ has only gotten better with each week!
Proving to be equally adept at the tango, samba, pasodoble and more, Simon has captivated the judges and the audience with every performance.
We take a look back at his best moments on the show here.
Simon steps out with partner Vanessa Cole at the official cast announcement for Dancing with the Stars.
Poor Simon got off to a shaky start with a cha-cha that got him slammed by the judges. He earned 12 points for his first effort on the dancefloor, placing ninth out of ten couples.
However, Simon stepped up his game in a major way for the next performance, battling through a dislocated knee to pull off an amazing tango.
In week three of the competition, Simon continued his winning streak with a rumba that earned him and Vanessa 24 points.
In week four of the competition, Simon took the top spot yet again with a stately foxtrot to the wintry classic ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’.
Simon earned his first perfect 10 from judge Candy Lane thanks to his Rocky-inspired pasodoble on Movie Night.
The next week, Simon went full ’80s with a mullet and mesh shirt to dance a rock’n’roll-infused samba. The judges loved it and rewarded Simon and Vanessa with their second perfect 10 of the season.
For the first of their two dances in semifinals week, Simon and Vanessa bravely attempted another cha-cha.
While Simon did much better the second time around, he really came into his own with their “mesmerising” freestyle, earning a total of 55 points for the week.
Simon and Vanessa dance in the final.
The triumphant duo hold onto their well-earned mirror ball trophy!
