Backstage at DWTS: Lacey Admits She Probably Should Have Stayed Home

ABC/CRAIG SJODIN

Let us be the first to say: We love Lacey Schwimmer. Ever since her SYTYCD days there is a special place in our dance-show-loving hearts for her.

But after hanging out with the cast of Dancing With the Stars last night after the show—in which Lacey and her partner, Mark Dacascos, were eliminated—we have to ask: Should she have been there at all?

"Healthwise, I probably shouldn't have danced tonight," Lacey admitted to us. "As of midnight last night I was not dancing. But I was not going to let [Mark] dance with someone else. This is the nicest guy you'll ever meet in your entire life."

And so you wanted to breathe your flu germs all over him and throw yet another last-minute partner switcheroo that led to his elimination? Please, fellow DWTS fans, help us figure this one out! (And get me a SARS mask while you're at it.)

So did Mark have any hard feelings?

No, apparently he is the nicest guy and said nothing of the sort. "I'm happy we were able to dance our last dance together," Mark told us of Lacey. "We gave it 100 percent and after that it's out of our hands. It's bittersweet. I will miss some of the stress, but it will be nice to see my kids again and kicking and punching. That's what I do. It was a fantastic experience."

The cast all said they will miss Mark and Michael Irvin, who was also eliminated. "You lose the person who rallied everyone together, which was Michael, who was such a team player." Kelly Osbourne explained. " And you lose the calming of the storm, which was Marc, who would always be there reassuring everyone that everything was OK. Two key personality elements, just gone."

As for those who remain, the anxiety is only ratcheting higher now that they are down to the final five.

"You bet I'm nervous," Donny Osmond admitted, "because I want to do a great job. I want to take Kim all the way to the top, and I want Kim to take me to the top, too!"

"The pressure is on," Mya said. "I know that now more than ever before it's very important to take it seriously, say no to certain things, hanging out. It will be rehearsals day in, day out."

Something tells us she'll do OK.

Who do you think will win? Comment below! And was Lacey right or wrong to dance the final dance?

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Got a question about TV or a hot tip? Email Kristin at tvdiva@eonline.com.