Gilles Marini Moves into the #1 Slot by Scoring a Perfect 60 on DWTS

If ever there was a night to shine on Dancing With the Stars, tonight was the night. Gilles Marini and his DWTS partner Cheryl Burke not only stepped up to the plate, they hit it into orbit with their demure, perfect waltz, followed by their over-the-top, yet perfect salsa routines. Both dances scored perfect tens from all three judges, for a perfect score of 60 for the evening.

After their salsa, Carrie Ann Inaba proclaimed, "This was Gilles Marini at his best! This is the dance we know you can bring to the finals. I want to see you her next week." Head judge Len Goodman exclaimed, "I'm almost speechless. I wish I had an 11 paddle." Bruno Tonioli finished off the critique session by declaring, "She's hanging in your pants. You deserve to be in the finals!"

Uber-sexy Gilles Marini, who's best known as Samantha Jones' sexy neighbor in the Sex and the City Movie, grew up in Cannes in the south of France, but not in the area of town that is known for its glamorous film festival and high society. Gilles was the middle of three kids, born to a homemaker and the owner of a bakery. According to Gilles, "I grew up in the center of town where it was pretty tough." Yet his hard-working parents installed good values in all of their children. Gilles would often wake up early to help his father with the family business. According to his mom, Carole Marini, "He wouldn't sleep. He would wake up very early. It was superb."

The defining moment in Jille's life was the death of his father. "My father's death was the turning point of my life. He died and gave me a way to actually leave," stated Jilles on DWTS.

He came to the United States and became a model. He eventually married his wife and mother of his daughters. About his dancing skills, his best friend said, "Gilles always liked dancing. He had a natural rhythm." His wife says that Gilles is "applying the same passion he has for his family and is putting it on the dance floor." Gilles simply says, "I need to be the best."

Will Gilles Marini actually be the best, and lay claim to the infamous mirror ball trophy? After tonight's performances, it looks like his wish may come true.

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