dancing with the stars surprised fans with some truly spooky performances ahead of Halloween. The episode had even greater significance as it marked Cheryl Burke’s return to the show after 3 years. However, did you know that there was one contestant who couldn’t perform? Yes, we’re talking about Elaine Hendrix, who was rushed to the hospital before dancing with the stars Halloween night after suffering an injury during rehearsal.
What happened to Elaine Hendrix?
Elaine Hendrix has done immensely well in DWT. However, fans quickly realized that she did not appear in the October 28, 2025 (ET) episode. This led fans to wonder why, and the show’s co-host Alfonso Ribeiro addressed the same and revealed why he hadn’t joined the team. The presenter revealed that the actress was injured during the rehearsal and is now hospitalized. He was quoted as saying:
“Now, as you’ve probably noticed, Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten are not here. She suffered an injury at rehearsal this morning. She is currently in the hospital being evaluated. They are still in the competition and still need your votes. We will explain more later.”
Elaine Hendrix shared a video with teary eyes in front of her dancing with the stars absence
DWTS showed video clips of Elaine Hendrix crying from October 28, 2025. The actress also took to social media to address her absence. She revealed that she was devastated to miss the Halloween special, as she was beyond excited about her performance. She assured fans that she will return next week and stated:
“Halloween is my favorite and I am devastated. I was beyond excited to share what we had worked so hard on, although you will see a version of it. With your support, I will be back in the ballroom next week. I don’t want anything more.”
Elaine Hendrix has everyone impressed with her trip DWTS
Elaine Hendrix has been praised throughout the competition for progressing each week despite a car accident decades ago that left her with lingering foot problems. The actress revealed during her introduction to Wicked Night that she has a titanium joint and can’t fully use her foot. She danced to the song, Defying gravity During the October 21, 2025 live show, Bersten made it clear that his partner could “rely on herself” and “is stronger than her wounds.” She was quoted as saying:
“I have a titanium joint in my right foot, so half of my foot is unusable. Every week, my body moves to a new pain point, but I don’t want to let that stop me. I know my determination is going to win it, just getting there is a big journey.”
Elaine Hendrix was praised by judge Derek Hough for her determination during her performance. He praised her for defying the odds and praised her for having so much “grace and wisdom.” Throughout the competition, she has wowed the judges and viewers by continuing to show off her strength and enthusiasm for hitting the dance floor at her age. Elaine has constantly reminded viewers that she is 54 years old and “just did that.” Judge Carrie Ann Inaba also became emotional during the actress’s run in the competition.
We wish Elaine Hendrix a speedy recovery!
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