Elaine Hendrix‘s absence from the Dancing With the Stars ballroom was felt on Halloween Night after she was rushed to the hospital.
While introducing the remaining couples at the top of the Tuesday, October 28, episode, cohost Alfonso Ribeiro pointed out that Hendrix, 54, and pro Alan Bersten were missing from the lineup. Ribeiro, 54, revealed the actress was “being assessed” at the hospital but assured fans their votes could still save the pair from elimination.
Despite not being in the ballroom, Hendrix was supported the entire way by her DWTS family. Jan Ravnik — who was sent home with partner Jen Affleck after their Taylor Swift-inspired performance — shared his hopes for Hendrix’s big comeback.
“She is a rockstar … I know that she’s going to push through it and she’s going to look amazing on stage and that’s important,” Ravnik, 30, exclusively told Us Weekly following his elimination on Tuesday.
‘DWTS’ Halloween Night Brings Emotional Elimination After 1 Couple’s Absence
In a separate interview, Mark Ballas said it’s “a huge relief” that Hendrix and Bersten, 31, are still in the competition.
“I really believe Elaine is having such a magical moment on this show,” Ballas, 39, told Us. “I love watching her dance and she’s a great human being. I just adore her. So hearing that she’s able to continue is a huge relief. I’m just glad it wasn’t a fracture or break.”
Ballas noted that injuries aren’t uncommon on the show. “Look, this is hard. It’s physical. … I’ve been on the end of her injury. Many of our pros have, celebs have. I’m just so relieved for her that she’s able to continue, that she was voted for so she could carry on and that it’s not crazy serious,” he continued.
Whitney Leavitt echoed her partner’s praise of Hendrix, adding, “She’s strong. She’s so tough. She’s a badass.”
Though Hendrix couldn’t compete on Tuesday, she still found a place on the leaderboard. Bersten appeared solo in the ballroom as footage from the duo’s rehearsal was used for the judges to score. The duo earned 32 points out of 40 for their Argentine tango, with guest judge Cheryl Burke calling Hendrix and Bersten one of the most “underrated” couples in the competition.
Hendrix addressed her absence in an emotional video shared via Instagram during the episode. “Halloween is my favorite, and I’m devastated,” she wrote alongside the clip. “I was beyond excited to share what we had worked so hard on, although you’ll see a version of it. With your support, I’ll be back in the ballroom next week. I want nothing more.”
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The caption continued, “I’m sending all my love to Alan and the entire Dancing with the Stars team — (including @lisaannwalter. of course, she’s with me). Thank you all for your love, your support, and your votes. I couldn’t do this without you. 🫶🏼🎃 #DWTS #TeamPartnerTrap.”
Throughout the season, which began in September, Hendrix has spoken candidly about obstacles she still faces from being injured in a car accident more than 30 years ago.
“I have a titanium joint in my right foot, so that renders half my foot unusable,” the Parent Trap star revealed during her intro package on Wicked Night earlier this month. “Every week, my body shifts into a new pain spot, but I just don’t want to let it stop me. … I know my determination is going to win it, just getting there is quite a journey.”
Hendrix has also taken pride in defying expectations about women in their 50s. “I just want to say that I am walking proof that your dreams may not go as you planned them, but it doesn’t mean that they’re not happening,” she said after her stellar Disney Night performance on October 7. Go for our dreams!”
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
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