Charities hit by Dancing With The Stars axing

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Charities are the real losers of a decision to axe popular TVNZ show Dancing With The Stars, former contestants say.

TVNZ has dropped the show from its 2010 schedule, citing the "recessionary environment" and the high costs of producing the show.

Former Miss Universe and 2006 season winner Lorraine Downes said she was disappointed to hear the news. " The great appeal of it was that it was a family show." The charities that each contestant raised money for during the show would be hit the hardest. "That's the real loss."

Dancing With The Stars has raised more than $1.75 million for charities in five seasons.

ACT leader Rodney Hide, a contestant on the 2006 season, was also "very sad" to hear the news.

- © Fairfax NZ News