Why Yet Another DWTS Cast Member Had To Miss Monday Night's Show
"Dancing With the Stars" is having a tough season. First, pro Cheryl Burke tested positive for Covid-19, sharing the upsetting news via her Instagram that she would not be able to compete alongside her partner, Cody Rigsby that week. Then, he tested positive for the virus as well, with the Peloton instructor revealing this would mark the second time he had Covid-19 this year in his own Instagram post.
Fox News reports the couple danced from home to stay in the competition this week, but meanwhile, another "DWTS" cast member was also absent from the ballroom — Derek Hough. Why the judge, who previously competed as a pro on the show, would not take part in Monday night's show was addressed immediately by host Tyra Banks, per Page Six.
It seems Hough may have been exposed to Covid-19, with Banks telling the audience he is "fully vaccinated and tested negative." Hough chose to sit out the taping "out of an abundance of caution" according to Banks, who did not offer details about how or when Hough could have been exposed to the virus (via Yahoo!).
The show must go on
As USA Today reports, Monday night's "Dancing With the Stars" taping is not the only obligation Hough had to miss after possibly being exposed to Covid-19 — even though he tested negative. The dancer also canceled a show, "Derek Hough: No Limit," which is part of a residency at The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas.
Via Ticketmaster, it was announced that Sunday's performance would not take place as scheduled, although no explanation was offered.
Meanwhile, at time of writing, Hough was yet to address his exposure or health via social media. And we do not yet know if he will return for next week's show.
But it seems no matter what, ABC is determined that the show must go on. As judge Len Goodman told Burke and Rigsby about their virtual performance, "These are strange times and they throw up strange scenarios. I wasn't sure how this would work but I must say, I thought you were clear and tight together" (via Yahoo!).