Alan Bersten is set to take the spotlight on this week’s episode of “Dancing with the Stars,” following the unexpected suspension of professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. Bersten, who was previously eliminated in the competition, shared his excitement for the opportunity to partner with Jenna Dewan for a special performance dedicated to her mother.
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The announcement of Bersten’s appearance was made public just hours before the much-anticipated episode on 20 October, 2023. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 32-year-old dancer expressed his gratitude for stepping in. “I am so honoured to be stepping in and dancing with @jennadewan,” he wrote. “You are such a light, and it’s so beautiful to see you and your mum share the floor.”
Bersten’s new role comes in light of Chmerkovskiy’s suspension, which was confirmed on 17 October. This marks a historic moment for the show, as it is the first time that a professional dancer has been removed from the competition. The reasons behind this unprecedented decision stem from a controversial social media post made by Chmerkovskiy, which referenced an incident involving comedian Chris Rock and actor Will Smith.
In Chmerkovskiy’s since-deleted post, he awkwardly alluded to the events of the Oscars, using a phrase that sparked backlash. In response to criticism directed at his wife, Jenna Johnson, from judge Carrie Ann Inaba, Chmerkovskiy wrote, “You almost saw the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night”. The comments have drawn severe scrutiny, leading to his suspension from the show.
Following the announcement of his suspension, Chmerkovskiy addressed his fans on Instagram, acknowledging the problematic nature of his remarks. He stated, “In a moment where my instinct was to defend my wife, I made a poor decision to reference a meme.” He later expressed regret, clarifying that his intentions were never to cause harm or distraction: “The last thing I want is to become a distraction from an important week or from the incredible work my dance partner Jenna Dewan is putting in.”
Chmerkovskiy made it clear that he has since reached out to Inaba to personally apologise, recognising the broader impact of his words beyond just the internal dynamics of “Dancing with the Stars.” He sincerely wished to send love to his fellow dancers and expressed his intent to support Dewan from the sidelines during Dedication Night.
Meanwhile, Bersten’s dance with Dewan will showcase a Viennese waltz, set to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, which is dedicated to Dewan’s mother, Nancy. Bersten previously competed with Giada de Laurentiis in this season but was eliminated before these developments.
The surprise casting led to a mix of reactions, but Bersten’s girlfriend and fellow dancer on the show, Emma Slater, defended the decision to have him step in for Chmerkovskiy. In a social media interaction, she clarified that this is a common practice in the competitive environment of “Dancing with the Stars,” stating, “Yeah that’s what happens. We all step in for each other.”
“Dancing with the Stars” continues to air on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, available via ABC and Disney+, with episodes streamed on Hulu the following day. As unexpected changes unfold, viewers remain eager to see how this situation will impact the ongoing series and the performances of its competitors.