The Parent Trap star Elaine Hendrix was unexpectedly hospitalized during rehearsals for Dancing with the Stars, causing her to miss her scheduled performance on the show’s Halloween Night broadcast on Tuesday, October 28.
Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough opened the episode by announcing that Hendrix, 53, would not be dancing this week after experiencing severe rib pain during rehearsal. Her professional dance partner, Alan Bersten, later explained on-air that the actress was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation after suddenly freezing mid-practice and saying she could not breathe.
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The pair had prepared to perform an Argentine Tango to “Bad to the Bone” by 2WEI and Bri Bryant. In rehearsal footage aired during the show, Hendrix acknowledged that she had been working through an injury.
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“I’m making sure that I’m not doing anything really damaging to myself,” she told cameras, while Bersten offered to adjust the choreography.
However, during show-day practice, the injury worsened. Bersten recalled:
“Elaine and I were dancing, and all of a sudden, she froze and said she couldn’t move. Something happened with her rib.”
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Doctors determined that while Hendrix could not dance live, she could remain in the competition as long as she is not eliminated this week. Instead of a live routine, the show aired the pair’s most recent full rehearsal run-through.
Judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and guest judge Cheryl Burke praised Hendrix’s effort and performance ability, though they emphasized they were required to score based only on the rehearsal footage.
Hough said:
“Even in that rehearsal, still so impressive. We love you, Elaine.”
Inaba added that she was “heartbroken” Hendrix couldn’t perform live:
“She’s strong, she’s a warrior. She’s gotta come back.”
Tonioli highlighted the potential the live performance would have had:
“It would have been sensational.”
Following the broadcast, Hendrix shared an emotional message on Instagram, asking fans to vote to help keep her in the competition:
“I’m devastated. I was beyond excited to share what we worked so hard on. With your support, I’ll be back in the ballroom next week. I want nothing more.”
She also thanked Bersten and the show’s cast and crew for their support.
Dancing with the Stars continues next week, where Hendrix is hoping to return — depending on recovery and viewer votes.
