The celebrity tipped to win this year’s competition was sent home in Sunday night’s episode.

Dancing With The Stars' Sonia Kruger / Rebecca Gibney dancing with Ian Waite.

Dancing With The Stars viewers were left stunned following Sunday night’s shock elimination. Photos: Channel 7

With this year’s season of Dancing With The Stars fast approaching the finale, the competition is well and truly heating up. Fans were left stunned watching Sunday night’s episode when one of this year’s most popular contestants, who many predicted would take home the mirrorball trophy, was eliminated.

After performing for the third time this season, Trent Cotchin ended up in first place on the leaderboard with 35 points, followed by Brittany Hockley on 33 points, Michael Usher on 29 points, Rebecca Gibney on 28 points, and Harry Garside on 25 points. Once the live studio audience cast their vote, however, it was Michael and Rebecca who landed in the bottom two.

Hosts Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown then announced that it was fan-favourite Rebecca who would be leaving the competition following her Paso Doble with her dance partner, reigning champion Ian Waite.

The news was especially shocking considering Rebecca is rumoured to be one of the highest-paid contestants this year, alongside TV host Osher Günsberg and comedian Shaun Micallef, who are each said to be earning $100,000.

Historically, the person who wins the competition is one of the highest-paid contestants in the cast. This was the case for Lisa McCune in 2024, Grant Denyer in 2022, and Celia Pacquola in 2020, while the 2023 contestants were all rumoured to be paid the same amount.

Dancing With The Stars' Rebecca Gibney dancing with Ian Waite.

Rebecca Gibney became the third celebrity eliminated this season. Photo: Channel 7

Following Sunday night’s episode, fans took to social media to express their surprise that Rebecca Gibney was the third contestant eliminated.

“Can’t believe Rebecca was voted off, I was shocked,” one person wrote, while another added, “I was hoping Rebecca would win. Sorry to see her go”.

“I didn’t see that coming,” a third said, followed by a different user who remarked, “How’s that theory going for everyone that Rebecca was pre-picked to be the series winner?”.

“No way should you have been eliminated tonight. You are a far better dancer,” someone else replied. “I really don’t think it’s right that it’s the audience that votes. If the UK version followed this format, there would be a riot.”

Rebecca’s co-stars also admitted they were disappointed to see her leave the competition so early, with Brittany Hockley writing: “I’m still shook you went home tonight because this was INCREDIBLE! You were such a light and joy to do this experience with… thank you angel.”

“You are just incredible,” Mia Fevola commented. “What a pleasure it was to share this experience with you.”

Meanwhile, the Gold Logie winner shared a lengthy post on social media thanking the show’s judges, hosts, crew, and her partner, Ian Waite.

“You are all phenomenal humans and beautiful dancers and I am so so grateful I got to play, laugh, cry and dance with you all,” she wrote. “I know I have made friends for life. Can’t wait to see who will take home the mirrorball! Love you all.”