No one had ever heard the name Gilles Marini before he became a front runner to win this season of Dancing with the Stars. Now he is a household name, and his hot body is the envy of men and longing of women across America. (Personally, I think my husband is hotter, but I understand the Gilles hype).

And though Cheryl Burke said she would get Gilles naked if that’s what it took to progress in the show, now she is backing down a bit from that strategy. Here’s what she said about a shirtless Gilles and the rest of the competition:

On being the only couple to receive a perfect 30 so far:
Burke: I think this season’s tough because there’s no clear front-runner. It’s exciting because it can be anyone’s game and we’re all putting in a lot of work. At the end, I think it’ll really be a true victory for any of these celebrities. He and I work a lot of hours during the day, so we’re trying our hardest to come out there and do the best we can.

On Gilles taking off his clothes:
Burke: [Laughs] I think we’re going to cool it for a little bit. If we make it to the finale, then maybe we’ll do it one more time. But I think it’s working so far!

On Gilles’ shoulder injury:
Burke: He says it’s fine and he had his cortisone shot. He’s going to need surgery after the show, but the cortisone shot is really helping him for now. I’m really trying to choreograph around it. I don’t want him to injure it and not be able to continue. Like last week with the Lindy Hop, I made sure the lifts were around his shoulder and doesn’t cause too much strain on it.

On opening her third dance studio:
Burke: Yup, in Orange County in Laguna Niguel. My second one opened in February and my first one opened last April. I’m opening them slowly but surely. My goal is obviously to make it nationwide. I want to make sure I spend enough time there as well. Having three right now is enough on my plate. I teach a lot of master classes. As soon as I’m done with the show, I’m going to take a week vacation and then go right back to my studio.

I’m glad they’re going to lay off the naked Gilles thing for a while. He’s a really good dancer on his own and I think all the skin showing takes away a little from his raw talent. I can’t wait to see how these two finish up the competition! I want a Melissa Rycroft/Gilles Marini final. It’ll be the best one ever!!

[image: WENN]

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