Breaking news from ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”: Both Nancy O’Dell (torn meniscus in the knee) and Jewel (fractured tibias in both lower legs) are out. News of who will replace them are to come Monday. Rumor has it that Holly Madison from Playboy’s “Girls Next Door” will be one of the replacements. Will they have time to get a second one ready to go?
Jewel’s injury ends the husband-wife combo deal with rode star Ty Murray. But country singer Chuck Wicks, professional dancer (and country singer herself) Julianne Hough’s boyfriend is still around. Among the remaining celebs include actress Denise Richards, rapper Lil Kim, “Jackass” star Steve-O, comic David Alan Grier, former football star Lawrence Taylor and Belinda Carlisle of the Go Go’s.
Gilles Marini from “Sex & the City” is also nursing pre-show injuries: tendoninitis in the shoulder and groin, according to Eonline.com.
Here’s info from the press release:
Jewel and O’Dell will appear on the season premiere of “Dancing with the Stars,” MONDAY, MARCH 9 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET) to address their injuries. The women were paired with professional dancers Tony Dovolani and Dmitry Chaplin, respectively. Additional changes to the cast will also be announced during Monday’s premiere.
“Like most sports, dancing can be a demanding, physical activity. Each participant of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ warrants in contract that they are physically fit enough to participate in the competition. We love and appreciate Nancy and Jewel’s competitive spirit, drive and desire to perform their best. Though we share in their disappointment that they can no longer continue, their physical well-being takes precedent above all else. We thank them both for giving it their all and wish them a quick and full recovery,” said Executive Producer Conrad Green.
4 comments Add your comment
GAGirl
March 5th, 2009
6:41 pm
I sure hate to hear that Nancy is off – I was looking forward to seeing her dance with Tony.
Heidi
March 5th, 2009
7:40 pm
So I guess there goes the whole “couples” theme that ABC was trying to sell us. Now I wish they would get rid of Chuck Wicks since he isn’t a star and he has the unfair advantage of knowing his partner before the show.
Rod
March 6th, 2009
8:14 am
I agree Heidi. It’s TOTALLY unfair that Chuck gets to dance with his wife. While other couples only have a few hours together each week, they will be working on this 24/7 – Hopefully others will gang up and vote them out to level the playing field.
Judy
March 6th, 2009
9:20 am
Obviously you, Heidi and Rod, are not country music fans because Chuck Wicks is an up-and-coming Star. He and Julianne Hough are not married –they are only boyfriend and girlfriend. And I believe you are wrong about the others being together only a few hours per week. In the past the couples have “practiced” many hours every day….