‘Dancing’ Bids Adios to Ochocinco

*NFL star Chad Ochocinco and his “Dancing With the Stars” partner Cheryl Burke were voted off of the ABC show Tuesday, capping a run filled with rumors and speculation about the true nature of their relationship.

The two played coy throughout the season, but fans began wondering what was really going on after the Cincinnati Bengals receiver began lavishing her with jewelry, including a diamond ring and a diamond pendant.

During their farewell Tuesday, Burke described the relationship as a “special friendship that will always mean the world to me.” Ochocinco said that what the couple built during dance practice will “continue for a lifetime.”

He thanked Burke and the show’s cast, calling his experience on the show “awesome.”

“I enjoyed the journey,” he said. “I met some wonderful people, and I got some great criticism that’s only made me stronger, man. …In my eyes, really, I’ve already won.”

Burke called her partner “the most amazing, soft, gentle man in the world.”

The duo became the 100th couple banished from the ballroom during the show’s 10 seasons with 52 points out of 60 for their two dances. Judges’ scores are combined with viewer votes to determine which couple is eliminated each week.