Wed 30 May 2007 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Suzanne Paul's openly-gay dancing partner, teacher and now "life-long friend" Stefano Olivieri tells GayNZ.com he was "absolutely thrilled" with the couple's Dancing With the Stars win last night. Despite a cracked rib, Suzanne Paul danced three times last night, impressing all four judges, three of whom awarded perfect ‘10' scores for the couple's final dance – to a number from Olivieri's favourite musical West Side Story. Speaking while having a celebratory lunch with his mum and best friend this afternoon, Olivieri, 29, says the show's finale "was absolutely tremendous, and such an exhilarating feeling of reward to have it all come off in our favour." Paul paid tribute to her dancing teacher last night after her final dance with Olivieri: "Thanks to Stefano for making me dance. He's a marvellous teacher and he's become a wonderful friend. I'm going to miss him terribly." "I'd really love to say a special thank you to such a wonderful lady, and a life-long friend now," Olivieri replied. "Thank you very much. Such a wonderful journey." The Sydney-based dancer will travel back to Australia next week, after scheduled appearances in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. He is set to film a segment with TVOne's Good Morning programme tomorrow. Ref: GayNZ.com, TVNZ (m)