'She is doing it tough': Cassandra Thorburn 'tried to quit Dancing with the Stars TWICE - but co-star Samuel Johnson convinced her to stay' By Erin Doyle For Daily Mail Australia Published: 21:21 GMT, 3 March 2019 | Updated: 22:09 GMT, 3 March 2019 1 Viewcomments Samuel Johnson previously joked about having a 'crush' on his Dancing with the Stars rival, Cassandra Thorburn. And on Monday, it was reported that the Secret Life of Us actor is the main reason why Karl Stefanovic's ex-wife hasn't quit the show, despite rumours she is struggling behind the scenes. According to New Idea, Cassandra wanted to leave the program twice, but her close bond with Samuel helped change her mind. 'She is doing it tough': Cassandra Thorburn reportedly tried to quit Dancing with the Stars twice. Pictured behind the scenes of the Channel 10 show 'Cassie is doing it tough and has quit twice, but was convinced to stay,' a source said. 'Samuel has been instrumental in convincing her to stay.' Cassandra has previously spoken about her friendship with Samuel, telling TV Week last month that they 'get along so well'. 'We've gotten close and we "get" each other. We clicked instantly,' she added. Close connection: However, it was her friendship with actor Samuel Johnson (pictured during rehearsals) that convinced her to stay Struggling? Rumours are swirling that Cassandra is struggling behind the scenes of Dancing with the Stars. Pictured with her dance partner Marco de Angelis Back in January, charity campaigner Samuel jokingly admitted he was 'crushing' on the former journalist. 'She's bangin', she's got the moves... I'd go there, who wouldn't? Have you seen the [promo] photo of her? he said on Nova FM's Fitzy & Wippa. 'Someone slapped me on the a** during the photo shoot last week... I won't say who - it might've been Cass!' he added. 'I'd go there, who wouldn't?' Back in January, charity campaigner Samuel jokingly admitted he was 'crushing' on the former journalist 'I did tell her she looks great and it looks like she's going to go all the way because she's got the moves,' Samuel continued. 'She's got swagger and she looks bangin'. All jokes aside, she's got the goods. I haven't seen the woman in five years, it's really exciting.' Cassandra was married to former Today show host Karl Stefanovic for 21 years before they separated in 2016. He debuted his new girlfriend, shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough, a few months later. They married in Los Cabos, Mexico in December 2018. Former life: Cassandra was married to former Today show host Karl Stefanovic for 21 years before they separated in 2016. Pictured on May 1, 2011 in Melbourne Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility