Edward Marchesi On Saturday, October 31, 2026, Rai 1 hosted the fifth episode of Dancing with the Stars , an evening where the happy ending had to contend with heated exchanges and high ratings. The episode, set against the backdrop of Halloween, featured veteran Ornella Muti and her mentor Pasquale La Rocca, a couple who dominated headlines for their arguments with judge Barbara d'Urso.
In the introductory video, Ornella, dressed as a mother, recalled the interview she held in the previous episode with her children Carolina and Andrea, stating: " I grew up with my children, I did things I regretted, but I've always found them very welcoming ." The reference to the maternal role immediately shifted attention to d'Urso's criticism of the couple's waltz, which he described as lacking a "top line."
La Rocca replied by quoting Cinderella, arguing that “even Cinderella and the prince danced a waltz of love without a top line.”
The comparison between Ornella Muti, Pasquale La Rocca, and Barbara d'Urso
The conversation devolved into a classic exchange: d'Urso called the performance "beautiful" but added that "nobody believes it," while the host asked La Rocca the reason for the tension.
Barbara's response was firm: " I don't understand why we keep talking about this: last year I was on stage, now I'm on the judging panel and have a different role ." La Rocca responded by emphasizing her annual commitment and assuring her that she doesn't want to take away Ornella's space, to which d'Urso asked not to be involved in the discussion any longer, declaring "enough" after five controversial episodes.
Despite the verbal clash, the jury awarded the couple 46 points , a very high score that confirmed the technical solidity of their performance.
Other competing couples: results and new discussion points
Immediately after the Muti-Rocca duel, former priest Alberto Ravagnani and dancer Erica Martinelli advanced to the next round, each scoring 41 points . The next segment saw Noemi Bocchi paired with Giovanni Pernice. The two faced criticism from Guillermo Mariotto over a tasteless joke from the previous episode, but responded with a personal statement: Bocchi explained that she left home at 13 to avoid being a burden to her parents, adding that her life isn't about mere media commentary. Their performance earned 47 points , the highest score of the evening.
Meanwhile, the public was treated to a small bit of additional gossip thanks to a message from Naïke Rivelli, Ornella Muti's daughter, who welcomed Pasquale La Rocca into her "extended family," calling him a "fabulous stepfather." While the statement didn't confirm a romantic relationship, it further fueled speculation about the two's relationship.
The dynamics of this episode demonstrated how Dancing with the Stars is more than a dance competition: it is a melting pot of rivalry, family affection and career strategy, where the judges, celebrities and contestants intertwine in a story that goes far beyond the dance steps.