Cloris Leachman exits the 'Dancing' ballroom

And just like that…. Cloris Leachman was told she was not coming back next week. The 82-year-old exited with grace and loads of humor, telling everyone she was not leaving — and making peace with Carrie Ann Inaba who was, depending on which side of the argument you’re on — either very cruel Monday night, or very honest.

No need to rehash the past, it was simply time for Leachman to go. With only four weeks left, there was no way she could keep up with the demands of the coming weeks (she couldn’t even participate fully in the group dance on Monday night). She can be very proud of her accomplishments. Yes, she has inspired many, many folks.

Susan Lucci — looks like the clock is ticking on your ballroom stay. La Lucci has eluded the exit sign for two weeks in a row, and if things don’t change too much, she is probably the next one out of the competition.

Odds and ends on results night: The video featuring a trainer, sports psychologist and a U.S. Marine was so blatantly “filler” it was embarrassing … Gee, do ya think we really don’t know it takes a lot of confidence, strength, hard work, determination, willpower and positive mental attitude to win any competition? Glad we got it from the experts.

And then there was Michael Flatley, who, in his prime could out-step dance anybody on this planet or the next. But his, ahem, performance was good, not great, and the fact that he had to pay tribute to his hometown Chicago, or as Samantha Harris stupidly blithered “gangsterland” — was sadder still. Come on, aren’t we WAY past the concept of tapping feet simulating the rat-a-tat-tat of machine guns?

Next week: “team dancing”…. could be an interesting twist on the competition. AND … the return of Edyta!!! TANtastic!