“Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS) contestant, Jeannie Mai has been forced to end her time on the competition.
A week after scoring an impressive score on Villains Night, the co-host of “The Real” has been hospitalized. Mai’s withdrawal from the show is due to the inflammatory disease, epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is life-threatening diagnoses that occur when the tissue protecting the windpipe becomes inflamed. It usually appears as a result of an infection. The resulting inflammation causes swelling, which blocks the air from going into the lungs.
“My doctors discovered a health concern with my throat which requires immediate attention and surgery. I am heartbroken that my DWTS journey has to end here,” Mai stated in a statement to Good Morning America.”
Brandon Armstrong, Mai’s pro dancing teammate, said he’s “devastated” to cut the season short.
“We are devastated by the news that we’re going to have to cut this season short, but Jeannie’s health does come first,” Armstrong shared. “Thank you to all the fans that have helped get us this far and we are praying for a speedy recovery from Jeannie.”
This shocking news will affect this week’s dance relay competition, as well as a planned double elimination. On DWTS‘ Instagram page, a photo of Mai and Brandon was also shared confirming the TV personality was forced to withdraw from the competition.