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Share This \| Related Shannon Elizabeth Romance Ripped by Karina Smirnoff, Dancing with the Stars
By Susan Hatch May 2, 2008

Were Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough just kissing for the cameras? And what does Karina Smirnoff really think? In an exclusive interview with In Touch right before they were eliminated this week on the ABC Reality TV show, the Dancing With the Stars partners hinted that their reported romance could be a popularity ploy. "We are playing into the rumors with the kisses on the cheek [during their April 21 performance]," admitted Shannon, 34.

Shannon Elizabeth Romance Ripped by Karina Smirnoff, Dancing with the Stars (Image: Wenn)

"With our new 'strategy' we are doing it for fun now and for the audience." Adds a winking Derek, 22, "With our new 'outlook', I think it's going to go down a lot better. We're like, if they want kisses, we'll give them kisses!"

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If it was a ploy for voters, it didn't work. "If it's a strategy, it's not a good one," Dancing's Karina Smirnoff tells In Touch. "Everyone knows that Shannon was dating a schoolteacher when the season started. You've both got to be young, hot and single in order for people to want you together. Their relationship will get them publicity, but that doesn't mean it'll get them votes."

Ouch! Did Karina Smirnoff just take a shot at Shannon? I think she just called her old and "not hot"! For the record, Shannon and Derek looked very cozy on their post DWTS appearances on all of the shows and even told Jimmy Kimmel that they were planning a vacation together.

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