They’re dropping like flies and the show hasn’t even started.
ABC just announced that singer Jewel and Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell are withdrawing from Dancing with the Stars due to knee injuries. Execs at the alphabet network say both women suffered “significant injuries” during rehearsals in recent weeks.
Jewel was diagnosed with a fractured tibia in both legs while O’Dell has a torn meniscus that will require surgery.
DWTS’ executive producer says the injuries came from overtraining, though interestingly the exec noted that as happened last season with pro volleyball player Misty May-Treanor, Jewel and O’Dell “threw themselves into training with more wild abandon” than contestants who were not as fit.
Personally, I wouldn’t place Jewel and O’Dell in the same fitness category as Misty May-Treanor, but if that’s what producers want us to think…
Regardless, the injuries have shaken things up a bit in the ballroom. For starters, producers had to find replacements for the hobbling blondes. Word has it that Hugh Hefner’s former live-in lover, Holly Madison, will replace Jewel and another high-profile female athlete could be taking O’Dell’s spot.
Producers also announced that the string of injuries sustained by current and former celebrity contestants may lead them to reevaluate training practices in the future. Whatever that means. Seriously, this is a dancing competition. What are you supposed to do, devise limits on practice sessions? Who’s going to follow that rule? What’s more, how would you be able to police it?
As for how Jewel and O’Dell are dealing with their premature departures from the top-rated ABC show, the singer doesn’t appear to be too broken up about it. Jewel released a statement yesterday saying that she plans to remain in the ballroom cheering on her celebrity husband, Ty Murray, and his pro partner, Chelsie Hightower. She also notes that she would like to compete on the show in the future.
Meanwhile, O’Dell also released a note to fans saying that she is “beyond disappointed” that she won’t be competing with her beloved pro partner Tony Dovolani. She also says the training was a “great experience” and that she will miss the grueling workouts.
Yeah right.
What do you think about the dropouts and whom do you think will be replacing O’Dell?