Overview
- Natalie Jolley was struck in the face by fellow contestant Stephani Sosa during group rehearsals and was taken to hospital, after which producers and doctors ruled her unable to continue.
- Britt Stewart served as the guest mentor and judge for the week and had contestants recreate her choreography under a tight rehearsal window to test teamwork and stage readiness.
- Judges Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas identified Tristen Sanders and Selena Hamilton as the bottom pairing before Natalie’s medical exit resulted in no additional elimination that night.
- Natalie’s removal was processed as a medical elimination, leaving eight contestants in the running for the single pro spot on Dancing With the Stars Season 35.
- The incident highlighted safety and contingency issues in live dance competitions and will shift how short-rehearsal group numbers and elimination mechanics are managed as the series continues with rotating guest pros.