Soap opera heartthrob leaves 'Dancing' ballroom

[April 20, 2010]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Actor Aiden Turner is saying goodbye to the ballroom.

The "All My Children" heartthrob was eliminated Tuesday from "Dancing With the Stars."

Turner and professional partner Edyta Sliwinska came into the results show in second-to-last place, earning mediocre marks for their rumba on Monday. Judges said the performance lacked musicality and flow.

"It was like stop-motion animation," judge Bruno Tonioli said.

Judges scored contestants separately for technique and performance during Monday's episode, with 30 points possible for each. Turner finished with 33 points altogether.

Judges' scores are combined with viewer votes to determine which celebrity is eliminated each week.

"Each week I came out here, I gave it my all," he said after his dismissal. "Last night I had the best time dancing with Edyta."

He called his partner "very talented," adding, "I just appreciate all the dance moves she's given to me."

"We're definitely going to stay friends," she said.

Tuesday's results show also featured performances by Sade and hip-hop violin duo Nuttin But Stringz.

Turner is the third contestant to be axed from the hit ABC show this season. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin and actress Shannen Doherty have already been eliminated.

Returning to dance on Monday's movie-themed episode will be reality stars Jake Pavelka and Kate Gosselin, singer Nicole Scherzinger, actresses Pamela Anderson and Niecy Nash, sportscaster Erin Andrews, Olympic figure skater Evan Lysacek and football star Chad Ochocinco.

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On the Net:

http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/

[Associated Press; By SANDY COHEN]

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