Fans of the ABC series “Dancing With the Stars” have had just two weeks to get acquainted with the cast. Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to one of the 13 couples selected to participate in the ABC dancing competition.

With just moments left in the first of several live two-hour elimination shows, hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews face the difficult challenge of telling either Jake T. Austin and Jenna Johnson or Ryan Lochte and Cheryl Burke that their ballroom experience is over. Thanks to an outpouring of love from fans, it is revealed that Ryan and Cheryl will go on to perform again. The “Wizards of Waverly Place” actor and his pro-partner, however, aren’t so lucky. In one final interview Jake tells Tom that while he’s hanging up his dancing shoes for the moment, he is truly grateful to have had this experience.

“Learning from Jenna was the opportunity of a lifetime,” Jake says. “This experience was incredible.”

The elimination comes as a surprise to fans, many of whom believed it would be Gov. Rick Perry and Emma Slater who were sent home first after their week 1 and 2 performances were Texas-sized failures. Early in the elimination episode Tom announces that the two will be staying, which they promptly celebrate with hugs and cheers. Meanwhile fans express their disbelief on Twitter.

Earlier in the episode ABC provides fans with a unique look at the show, clipping together unaired footage featuring commentary from the dancers during their routines and interviews regarding their decision to participate on “DWTS.” Audio shows Jake struggling to accept the mistakes he made during both his week 1 and week 2 performances, which garnered low scores from the judges. In one clip Jenna assures him there’s time “for improvement.” Interviews show Jake sharing with “DWTS” viewers that he joined the Season 23 cast in the hopes of transforming his image. He assures viewers he’s no longer the boy they came to know on television.

“I want America to see that I’ve grown up a lot,” he said. “I want the competition to see that I’m a man.”

Jake and Jenna were able to perform two fun routines together during their brief time on “DWTS.” In week 1 they did a cha cha routine that showcased their fun personalities, but was filled with footwork issues. They received a 22 out of 40 for their performance and went into week 2 seeking redemption. Their second performance in the television themed episode was a dance to the “Go, Diego, Go!” theme song. While they were able to put together a sexy dance, they struggled to impress the judges and, evidently, the fans at home. They scored 24 out of 40 on their second routine, making their total heading into elimination just 46 points.

A new episode of “DWTS” airs Monday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC. Which couple do you think will go all the way and which will be the next we bid farewell? Sound of in the comment section or share your thoughts on Twitter.

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