Jenna Dewan is preparing for an emotional night on Dancing With the Stars, but she will have a different professional partner by her side. Alan Bersten will step in for Val Chmerkovskiy during the show’s upcoming Dedication Night after Chmerkovskiy received a one-week suspension over his social media comments about judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
According to E! News, Bersten will join Dewan for the October 20 episode, where the actress plans to honor someone special through her dance performance. The unexpected partnership has added another talking point for DWTS fans ahead of the live show.
Alan Bersten Steps In for Val Chmerkovskiy
Bersten will temporarily replace Chmerkovskiy as Dewan’s dance partner while the professional dancer sits out one episode. Bersten previously competed this season with celebrity partner Giada De Laurentiis before their elimination.
The switch comes at an important point in Dewan’s competition journey. She must now prepare for Dedication Night with a different partner while maintaining the emotional connection and choreography required for the performance.
Despite the last-minute change, the upcoming routine offers Dewan an opportunity to showcase her dancing skills and deliver a meaningful tribute.
Why Was Val Chmerkovskiy Suspended From DWTS?
Chmerkovskiy’s suspension followed a social media controversy involving Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
The dispute began after Inaba criticized a samba routine performed by his wife, professional dancer Jenna Johnson, and her celebrity partner, Harry Shum Jr. The judge questioned a lift featured in their performance, prompting a tense exchange during the episode.
Chmerkovskiy subsequently posted a comment referencing the infamous 2022 Oscars incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. The remark drew criticism online and was later deleted.
BBC Studios, the production company behind Dancing With the Stars, subsequently announced that Chmerkovskiy would miss the upcoming episode, describing his social media post as inappropriate and inconsistent with the show’s standards.
Val Chmerkovskiy Addresses the Controversy
Following the announcement, Chmerkovskiy acknowledged his mistake and apologized for the implications of his post.
He explained that he had reacted instinctively while defending his wife but had failed to consider how the reference could be interpreted. He also expressed regret that Inaba had become involved in the controversy and that his actions could distract from Dewan’s work on the show.
Chmerkovskiy indicated that he would continue supporting the cast during Dedication Night despite his absence from the ballroom.
Jenna Dewan Will Honor Her Mother on Dedication Night
Dewan’s upcoming performance will focus on a personal tribute to her mother, Nancy Bursch. She and Bersten are scheduled to perform a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers.
Dedication Night gives contestants an opportunity to celebrate people who have influenced their lives through meaningful dance performances. For Dewan, the tribute adds an emotional dimension to an already challenging week.
The actress, known for Step Up and The Rookie, has continued competing while balancing her professional commitments and family life.
When Does Jenna Dewan Return to the DWTS Ballroom?
The special Dedication Night episode of Dancing With the Stars is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, on ABC and Disney+.
Fans will be watching to see how Dewan and Bersten adapt to dancing together and whether their Viennese waltz makes a lasting impression on the judges.
With Chmerkovskiy temporarily sidelined, the episode combines a personal tribute, an unexpected dance partnership, and an ongoing controversy that has captured the attention of DWTS viewers.
Source: E! News