'DWTS' cast on Bill Nye's departure: Gotta admire his courage

On Monday night, "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Bill Nye had to hang up his dancing shoes.

Nye tried to go out in style, performing a jazz-esque routine that was hindered by his recent injury. Last week, pop culture's favorite Science Guy suffered a partially torn ligament, but was still eager to get back out on the dance floor.

Although the results were disastrous, his fellow competitors couldn't have been more supportive of Nye. (The 57-year-old himself wasn't available to do interviews because of his injury.)

"You've got to admire his courage," Valerie Harper told CNN backstage after the show. "I just was so worried that he was going to get really hurt. But he's a great guy. We'd love to have him around, so there will be a space that will not be filled except by Bill Nye."

Leah Remini agreed, calling Nye "a champ" for "getting out there when he really didn't have to. I really admire him for that."

We personally admire him for basically doing the robot to "Get Lucky," and agree with Snooki (!) that it was a little surprising to see Nye go. After all, he was in good spirits last week, and had become a fan favorite after his grooves to the "Weird Science" theme song. Just listen to the chanting after his routine:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJEqQWgbNV8&w=450&h=360]

“I was definitely surprised that Bill’s leaving," the former "Jersey Shore" star told CNN. "And the fact that he pushed himself to do the dance when he’s injured - it sucks."

Were you also surprised that Nye was the one to go? What'd you think of his routine?