In a dramatic turn of events on the latest episode of the ABC series ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’, contestant Natalie Jolley has been forced to withdraw from the competition following a serious injury. The incident occurred during a group rehearsal for a routine, which was choreographed by guest judge Britt Stewart, when fellow contestant Stephani Sosa accidentally struck Jolley in the face.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/DWTS-Next-Pro024-07272026-8466364f12ba43f682866ddedcc18bec.jpg)
During the rehearsal, Sosa performed a swift arm movement that inadvertently connected with Jolley’s face, leaving the 20-year-old visibly distressed. Eyewitnesses reported that Jolley stepped back, covering her face as she sobbed in pain, while fellow contestants looked on in shock. Stewart quickly moved to assist Jolley, who expressed feeling dizzy and revealed a swollen eye that prompted concerns amongst her peers.
In a poignant confessional, Sosa, aged 26, expressed her distress over the incident, stating, “I don’t know what happened,” and conveyed her deep remorse for the accident. Tearfully, she added how much she cared for Jolley and the effort she had put into preparing for the competition. The intensity of the moment was palpable, highlighting the emotional stakes involved in the show.
Medical staff were summoned to evaluate Jolley’s condition, where she described severe pain and difficulty breathing through her nose. Following a comprehensive assessment, an ambulance was dispatched to transport her for further medical attention. Stewart reflected on the incident, acknowledging the importance of spatial awareness in group choreography and demonstrating how seemingly small mishaps can have larger consequences.
The next day, the remaining dancers gathered for rehearsal without Jolley. They were informed by Stewart that they would be performing the routine in front of judges Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas unprepared. Faced with anxiety, the group delivered a performance that fell short of their expectations, leading the judges to highlight Tristen Sanders and Nina Mayster as the weakest performers. However, rather than facing immediate elimination, Sanders and Mayster were appointed as team captains for the upcoming showcase.
The competition intensified as Sanders’ team, which included Sosa, Selena Hamilton, and Erik Linder, and Mayster’s team, comprising Adele Zaikman, Allen Genkin, and AJ Pritchard, each showcased their individual routines later that week. Despite their efforts, the judges placed Hamilton and Sanders in jeopardy of elimination.
As the votes were tallied, Shirley Ballas delivered the shocking news that Jolley, rather than either of the two in the bottom, would be exiting the competition due to her injury. The collective gasp from the contestants underscored the unexpected nature of the outcome, as Shirley announced, “Tonight was the last dance for… neither of you.” The news left the group stunned, as Jolley’s circumstances had paved the way for the others to continue.
Following her elimination announcement, host Robert Irwin sought to gauge the feelings of the contestants. Hamilton expressed her frustration about being in the bottom two, while Sanders reflected sorrowfully on Jolley’s accident and the impact it had on the competition. Zaikman quietly remarked about the harshness of the situation, revealing the mixed emotions that permeated the room.
When Jolley appeared on stage to say her goodbyes, the atmosphere was heavy with emotion. “I’m really sad and disappointed that I won’t be able to continue in this competition, but the most important thing is just to take care of my body,” she conveyed warmly to her fellow dancers and the judges. Her message of love for her peers was evident, underscoring the camaraderie that develops even in a competitive environment.
Fans of ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ can tune in for new episodes every Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, and the show is also available for streaming on Hulu. As the competition continues, viewers will undoubtedly be hopeful for Jolley’s swift recovery and future return to the dance floor.