Dancing With The Stars NZ is in its second week and with such high stakes, many viewers will be wondering if diva behaviour has taken hold behind the glossy front.
Newshub's own Sam Hayes took a break from rehearsing this week to reveal that backstage "it's actually a really beautiful family atmosphere".
- Newshub's Samantha Hayes joins Dancing With The Stars NZ
- Kylie Minogue gives Samantha Hayes dancing tips
"I mean everyone is so nervous because we're all having to compete against each other and it's something none of us have ever done before," she explained.
"Everyone is just putting themselves on the line [and] we're all feeling incredibly vulnerable. There's a real sense of camaraderie backstage and we're all like a big family, it's really cool, it's a really cool place to be."
She said any negative vibes came not from other competitors, but from online commenters.
"Some of us have had to read some pretty rough comments that people have written online," Hayes said. "To that I would say; if you're watching the show, be nice humans - we're all trying our best. Some good positive feedback is much needed!"
She said the energy backstage during the show was "pretty awesome", with those yet to dance all cheering on those on stage.
"No dirty tactics, no nasty comments... there's actually a lot of love in the green room."
Hayes recounted the support she found in one fellow contestant in particular; ex-bachelor Zac Franich.
"Before we did the first show I was terrified. I was so nervous [as] I've never done anything like this before," she revealed.
"I just ran into Zac [from The Bachelor] in the hallway... I think he must have seen how nervous I was. I don't think he even realised he did it but in passing he gave me a few amazing words, really wise words that just instilled a deep confidence in me.
"He said 'just enjoy the moment. How often do you get to do something like this? We're all in the same boat, we're all feeling like this so when you're out there on the dance floor just enjoy it.'"
"I really took that to heart and I felt so much better afterwards. So thank you Zac, really appreciate those words."
Vote for Hayes by texting SAM to 3333.
Newshub.
