Susan Lucci Hangs Up Her Cha Cha Heels, Heads Back To Pine Valley

“Dancing With the Stars” narrowed the competition field down once again, letting go of soap opera star Susan Lucci on Wednesday night.

It was a tough season for the pint-sized Susan, who was paired with professional Tony Dovolani. Susan not only had to travel back and forth between New York, where she tapes her starring role on ABC daytime drama, “All My Children,” and Los Angeles, but all the dancing practice left her with an injured ankle.

“It’s a lot better,” Susan told “Dancing” co-host Samantha Harris of her ankle after she was given the news she was leaving the ballroom.

But, the actress left with a smile and a standing ovation, telling the audience she was honored to have been a part of “Dancing’s” seventh season.

“I have had the most incredible experience here,” she raved. “I leave with so much gratitude for the opportunity to have had this particular experience in my lifetime.”

Susan also offered her gratitude to her fans before her final dance with Tony.

“I want to thank all of you wonderful audience members here,” she said. “Thank you to all the fans who have voted and kept me here for seven weeks. Most importantly I need to thank this incredible dancer, this incredible teacher, this incredible man, Tony Dovolani.”