Alan Bersten to replace Val Chmerkovskiy on DWTS

Val Chmerkovskiy’s one-week suspension from Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars has raised questions among fans about who will take his place as Jenna Dewan’s dance partner in the upcoming episode.

The 40-year-old professional dancer announced his suspension through his Instagram Stories on Saturday, October 17. The decision followed a controversial social media remark referencing the infamous incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards.

Chmerkovskiy’s removal from the upcoming episode marks an unprecedented moment in the show’s history, as he becomes the first professional dancer to be suspended from the competition.

Following the announcement, viewers began speculating about Dewan’s new partner and how the change would affect her performance. According to reports, former contestant Alan Bersten will return to the ballroom to partner with the actress during the upcoming episode.

Bersten, who was eliminated earlier in the season, is expected to step in for Chmerkovskiy while the latter serves his suspension. His return will give Dewan a new partner as she continues her journey on the popular dance competition.

The upcoming performance is also expected to carry special emotional significance for Dewan. Reports indicate that she will perform a Viennese waltz to the classic song Unchained Melody, dedicating the routine to her mother, Nancy.

The change in partners could present a fresh challenge for Dewan, who will need to adjust to a different professional dancer while preparing for an important performance. Fans will be watching closely to see how the new pairing handles the routine and whether Bersten’s return can help Dewan maintain her momentum in the competition.

DWTS producers address Val Chmerkovskiy’s suspension

The production team behind Dancing with the Stars has confirmed that Chmerkovskiy will not participate in the upcoming episode following his controversial online remark.

In an official statement, BBC Studios, the show’s producer, emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and safe working environment for everyone involved in the programme.

“The well-being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is non-negotiable,” the statement read.

The production company also addressed the dancer’s social media activity, making it clear that his comment did not meet the standards expected of individuals associated with the show.

“Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show. As a result, he will not participate in next week’s show,” the statement added.

The decision highlights the production team’s response to the controversy and its commitment to upholding the programme’s professional standards.

What sparked the controversy?

The controversy began after a recent episode of Dancing with the Stars Season 35, during which judge Carrie Ann Inaba criticized a dance routine performed by Chmerkovskiy’s wife, Jenna Johnson, and her partner, Harry Shun Jr.

Following the criticism, Chmerkovskiy shared a social media remark that referenced the notorious confrontation between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022.

During that ceremony, Smith walked onto the stage and slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The incident attracted worldwide attention and remains one of the most controversial moments in Oscars history.

Chmerkovskiy wrote, “You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” apparently alluding to Smith’s actions during the awards ceremony.

The remark quickly attracted criticism online, with the reference to the Oscars incident sparking outrage among viewers and social media users.

The resulting backlash prompted the show’s producers to take disciplinary action against the professional dancer, leading to his one-week suspension.

As fans await the next episode, attention has shifted to Bersten’s return and Dewan’s upcoming Viennese waltz. Meanwhile, Chmerkovskiy’s suspension has become a significant talking point for the long-running dance competition, raising questions about the consequences of controversial public comments by its professional performers.