Witney Carson Says Guillermo Rodriguez Is the ‘Most Loved’ Among “Dancing with the Stars” Cast and Crew (Exclusive)

Guillermo Rodriguez, known for his role as Jimmy Kimmel’s sidekick, has recently made his debut on the popular dance competition show, “Dancing with the Stars.” Partnered with professional dancer Witney Carson, Rodriguez performed the cha-cha during a live episode that aired recently. Despite receiving the lowest score of the night for their routine to the 1971 hit “Mr. Big Stuff” by Jean Knight, the duo managed to avoid elimination, much to the delight of their supporters.

Judge Derek Hough was candid in his assessment of the performance, noting the lack of technical proficiency but praising the heart and effort displayed by Rodriguez and Carson. “Was the technique there? No. Was the effort there? Absolutely,” Hough remarked, underscoring the duo’s commitment to entertaining viewers.

In an exclusive interview afterwards, Rodriguez expressed his relief that the performance was complete and his eagerness to improve before the next challenge. “I gotta work super hard because next week is Paso Doble and it’s super fast and hard,” he revealed, showcasing his determination to enhance his skills. Witney Carson lightened the mood with a playful comment, quipping, “No more snack breaks.”

Despite their score, Rodriguez appears to have captured the hearts of fans and fellow contestants alike. The audience’s reaction during the scoring segment was noteworthy, as boos erupted when the scores were announced, indicating strong support for the duo. Carson emphasised that Rodriguez’s amiable nature has made him a beloved figure amongst not only the audience but also the production team.

“He’s always going out of his way to say hi to everyone, from the crew to the producers,” Carson told PEOPLE. “He’s very, very kind. He’s the favourite of everyone,” she continued, highlighting Rodriguez’s warm interactions with even the staff members who may usually go unnoticed.

Rodriguez himself was taken aback by the enthusiastic response from fans following their performance. “It was crazy. They went crazy when we finished dancing,” he exclaimed, reflecting on the positivity and excitement generated by their appearance on the show.

“Dancing with the Stars” kicked off its season with a two-night premiere, featuring episodes broadcast on both ABC and Disney+. Subsequent episodes will be available for streaming on Hulu the day after airings.

As the competition progresses, viewers will undoubtedly be keen to see how Rodriguez and Carson tackle the challenges ahead, particularly the demanding Paso Doble. With Rodriguez’s commitment to relentless practice and a team of well-wishers supporting him, the next few weeks could reveal a significant evolution in their performance on the show.

Rodriguez’s transition from a late-night comedy sidekick to a contestant on a ballroom dance show is a testament to his versatility and appeal. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the occasion and improve his skills in the highly competitive environment of “Dancing with the Stars.” The heartfelt kindness and camaraderie underpinning their journey may ultimately prove just as compelling as the dance moves themselves.