The 2018 competition kicks off with performances from Gilda Kirkpatrick, Marama Fox and Samantha Hayes. Video / Three
Another season of Dancing With The Stars NZ hit the screens last night, with the latest contestants showing off more than just fancy moves.
Viewers were treated to a great first night, with a mix of stars - from TV celebrities, actresses, journalists and political leaders - taking to thedance floor.
There was even the show's first cricketer - Chris Harris.
Long-time radio broadcaster Robert Rakete, also known for his role as the Brown Wiggle, was first up.
Chris Harris dances with Vanessa Cole in Dancing With The Stars. Photo / TV3
Rocking out in a denim vest with gems on the collar, his take on the Samba with dance partner Nicole reeled in a score of 17.
Social media influencer Jess Quinn, who lost one of her legs to cancer as a child, proved to be the best of the night; finishing with a final score of 23.
Cricket star Harris was not to be underestimated, with his performance bringing in three sixes, giving him a respective 18.
The same score was given by the judges to Real Housewives of Auckland star Gilda Kirkpatrick.
The judging panel said her performance of the Tango was "sexy and seductive''.
The first of the political leaders involved this year, Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox, proved to be a favourite on Twitter-sphere.
The mother of nine looked comfortable on the stage as she danced to the Jive.
Former What Now presenter and Shortland Street star Shavaughn Ruakere almost broke the internet when she walked out in a black figure-hugging cat suit - the first time she has ever worn one, she says.
Shavaugn Ruakere dances with Enrique. Photo / TV3
It was also the first time she had shown her bellybutton on national television, she laughed.
Her efforts - dancing the Cha-Cha with partner Enrique - brought in the night's third-highest score: 20.
Shavaughn and her dance partner Enrique are up next and all we can say is she is rocking the jumpsuit! #DWTSNZpic.twitter.com/6quh6kAmxm
For the finale, Newshub journalist Samantha Hayes performed what she called a non-traditional Foxtrot with partner Aaron Gilmore, who is a former Dancing With The Stars winner.
The judges said she had the potential to go all the way to the final.
