Elaine Hendrix Hospitalised Mid-Rehearsal, Misses ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Halloween Episode

LOS ANGELES (Star Struck Times) — In a sudden turn of events, Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) contestant Elaine Hendrix was hospitalised on the morning of the show’s Halloween Night episode, forcing her to sit out the live ballroom performance. According to the show’s co-host Alfonso Ribeiro, she “suffered an injury in rehearsal this morning. Right now, she’s at the hospital being assessed.”

Hendrix, 54, who had earned acclaim for her previous week’s “Wicked Night” routine, was absent as her pro partner Alan Bersten took to the floor alone. The actress had already been training for the Argentine tango set to “Bad to the Bone,” when rehearsal footage showed her gripping her ribs and wincing in pain—moments later, she was escorted from the studio and taken for evaluation.

Bersten later described what happened: “Elaine and I were dancing, and all of a sudden, Elaine kind of froze and said she can’t move and she can’t breathe, and something happened with her rib.” The clip aired during the live broadcast, showing the pair in the rehearsal studio not far from where viewers tune in on Tuesdays.

Because Hendrix couldn’t perform live, the judges reviewed the rehearsal footage and awarded the pair scores of 8 from each judge, totalling 32/40—a tally made with guest judge Cheryl Burke joining the panel. Despite the setback, the show announced she remained in the competition — provided the audience votes kept her safe. Her Instagram update from a hospital bed delivered the emotional impact: “I’m devastated. I was beyond excited to share what we had worked so hard on… With your support, I’ll be back in the ballroom next week. I want nothing more.”

A Slippery Slope Ahead

Hendrix’s injury adds to a narrative already marked by endurance. Earlier in the season she revealed she has a titanium joint in her right foot, limiting mobility, and insisted that pain won’t keep her from dancing. Now, doctors reportedly say she will need “a day or two of rest” before getting back to training.

Judges were quick to praise her resilience. Derek Hough complimented her prior week’s performance, calling her “a born performer,” and admitted the rehearsal footage showed she “would have gone up ten gears.” Carrie Ann Inaba expressed she was “heartbroken” that Hendrix couldn’t take the floor.

Fan reactions poured in instantly on social media. One commented:

“Praying for u Elaine already voted.”
Another wrote:
“We got you! We love you!! Get rest, we’re gonna make sure you’re through!”

Why It Matters

For fans, Hendrix missing the Halloween-themed episode is significant on two fronts: one, she forfeited a live performance in a landmark week; two, it underscores the physical toll the competition takes—even on a seasoned performer. The decision to judge the pair on rehearsal footage maintains fairness, but it inevitably changes the dynamic — no live audience, no direct interaction. Additionally, her absence awards her opponents a bit of breathing space.

Looking ahead, if Hendrix returns next week — as her medical clearance seems to allow — she may garner renewed audience sympathy, often a powerful wildcard in the voting arena. But her team must carefully manage choreo and risk; the injury risk is real.

FAQs

Q: What exactly happened to Elaine Hendrix?
A: During rehearsal for the show’s Halloween Night episode, Elaine injured her ribs—she “froze and said she can’t move and she can’t breathe,” according to her partner Alan Bersten.
Q: Will she be eliminated because she missed the performance?
A: No — the producers and judges confirmed she remains in the competition on the condition the audience votes keep her safe this week.
Q: Will she return next week?
A: According to a doctor’s evaluation she should be able to continue after a day or two of rest. Hendrix herself expressed her strong desire to return.
Q: What impact does this have for her standing in the competition?
A: She loses the chance to perform live this week, but she may benefit from audience support. Her prior strong showing suggests momentum, though she must avoid further injury.