Jeannie Mai Hospitalized, Withdraws from 'Dancing With the Stars'
Jeannie Mai, cohost of the syndicated daytime talk show The Real and sideline reporter for Holey Moley, announced this morning she has danced her last steps onABC's Dancing With the Stars and will leave the show effective immediately. The reason for the abrupt departure was a diagnosis of an inflammatory condition called epiglottis that requires immediate surgery.
Good Morning America was the first to report the news of her recent hospitalization and subsequent withdrawal from the hit dance competition with a statement from Mai. It read: "My doctors discovered a health concern with my throat which requires immediate attention and surgery. I am heartbroken that my DWTS journey has to end here."
She added, "I have pushed myself to new limits physically and mentally, and I am so proud of how far we've come."
According to the Mayo Clinic, epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition, which can cause the tissue in the windpipe to become inflamed and thus block airflow to the lungs.
Her surprising departure required some juggling on the part of the show's producers, as tonight was billed as "Double Elimination Night," during which two couples would be sent home. However, a statement from DWTS confirmed that now only one couple will be voted off tonight.
"Jeannie has inspired us, along with millions of fans, with her energy and dedication. We wish her a full and speedy recovery," read the statement from Dancing With the Stars. "Since Jeannie had to withdraw from the competition, tonight's show will feature the eight remaining couples and a single elimination."
Mai's pro dancing partner, Brandon Armstrong, recorded a video message for Good Morning America in which he said, "We are devastated by the news that we're gonna have to cut this season short, but Jeannie's health does come first. Thank you to all the fans that have helped to get us this far and we are praying for a speedy recovery for Jeannie."
The 41-year-old Mai was nearly eliminated last week on the show's "Villains Night." Dressed as Hannibal Lector, she danced a paso doble with Armstrong to Nelly Furtado's "Maneater" that netted them a score of 25 out of 30 from the judges. This relatively weak showing from the couple landed them in the bottom two alongside Cheer's Monica Aldama and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba ultimately chose to save Mai and sent Aldama home.
Also eliminated from the competition thus far are Vernon Davis, Jesse Metcalfe, Anne Heche, Carole Baskin, and Charles Oakley. Still remaining are Kaitlyn Bristowe, Skai Jackson, Justina Machado, AJ McLean, Nelly, Nev Schulman, Chrishell Stause, and Johnny Weir.
Dancing with the Stars airs Mondays (8 p.m. ET) on ABC.
