'Baywatch' beauty banished from 'Dancing' ballroom

[May 05, 2010]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Perhaps the most popular actress to perform on "Dancing With the Stars" has done her last dance. Pamela Anderson was ousted from the hit ABC show Tuesday.

Judges praised the 42-year-old sex symbol throughout the season for her dedicated performances and convincing characterization. They appreciated the waltz professional partner Damian Whitewood performed on Monday's episode, giving it a score of 24 out of 30. Viewers, though, failed to keep the "Baywatch" beauty afloat.

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

"This has been one of the best experiences of my life -- and that says a lot. I've had a lot of good experiences," Anderson said after learning her fate.

She thanked her partner and said she wishes her fellow dancers well.

"I love everybody here," she said.

Anderson said that learning to dance allowed her to focus in a way she hadn't before.

"I'm really proud of the effort I've put into it," she said. "I've never been able to apply myself in this kind of way. This is a dream come true."

Whitewood said working with Anderson was something of a dream come true as well.

"You've been an amazing person to work with and so dedicated to learning how to dance," he said, thanking her.

Tuesday's results show also featured a musical performance by Train and a dance performance by the stars of Cirque du Soleil's "Viva Elvis" show.

Five celebrities remain in contention for the mirrorball trophy: Singer Nicole Scherzinger, Olympic figure skater Evan Lysacek, actress Niecy Nash, sportscaster Erin Andrews and football star Chad Ochocinco.

Reality stars Kate Gosselin and Jake Pavelka, astronaut Buzz Aldrin and actors Shannen Doherty and Aiden Turner were eliminated on previous episodes.

The remaining contestants will each perform two dances on Monday. The entire spring cast is expected to perform on the season's final episodes, May 24 and 25.

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On the Net:

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[Associated Press; By SANDY COHEN]

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