Dancing with the Stars - Samantha Hayes excerpt (Series Seven Final)

In this excerpt from the 2018 final of the high-rating reality franchise Dancing with the Stars, cool and collected TV3 newsreader Samantha Hayes and partner Aaron Gilmore channel feuding lovers in their 'contemporary' routine for the judges consideration. Dancing to Maroon 5's 'Stay', Hayes and Gilmore mix romantic moments with impressive lifts and dips and multiple cartwheels. During rehearsals Hayes turned to her friend, actor Madeleine Sami, to help access the emotion she felt her dancing lacked — and it worked. Hayes and Gilmore beat out the other finalists to secure the 2018 trophy.

When things happen during the news, when we go off-script for breaking news, my job is to keep calm, be still and keep it together. So whenever I'm under stress, that's what I do...but I had to learn to do the opposite of that. It was so hard to be that vulnerable on television, when I've spent my whole career trying to keep it together.

– Newsreader Samantha Hayes on friend Madeleine Sami helping her to become a better dancer, Newshub, 1 July 2018

Key Cast & Crew

Charlotte Hobson

Series Producer

Dai Henwood

Presenter

Samantha Hayes

Performer

Aaron Gilmore

Performer

Sharyn Casey

Presenter

Nigel Carpenter

Studio Director