Dancing With The Stars contestant Jeannie Mai has dropped out of the competition.
The 41-year-old TV host was hospitalized with epiglottitis, which blocks airflow to the lungs, ABC reported on Monday.
‘My doctors discovered a health concern with my throat which requires immediate attention and surgery,’ The Real star said in a statement to Good Morning America. ‘I am heartbroken that my DWTS journey has to end here.’
Out! Dancing With The Stars contestant Jeannie Mai has dropped out of the competition. Seen in late October
It sounds serious: In her statement, the talk show co-host said she needed immediate attention after being diagnosed with epiglottitis
Sad goodbye: The San Jose, California native also said she was ‘heartbroken’ she had to end her DWTS journey
She added, ‘I have pushed myself to new limits physically and mentally, and I am so proud of how far we’ve come.’
Her partner on the dance floor was Brandon Armstrong.
‘Jeannie has inspired us, along with millions of fans, with her energy and dedication, Dancing With The Stars said in a statement.
‘We wish her a full and speedy recovery. Since Jeannie had to withdraw from the competition, tonight’s show will feature the eight remaining couples and a single elimination.’
Her dancing half: Her partner on the dance floor was Brandon Armstrong. ‘Jeannie has inspired us, along with millions of fans, with her energy and dedication,’ said the show in a statement; seen on October 26
According to the Mayo Clinic, Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition.
It happens when the epiglottis — a small cartilage ‘lid’ that covers the windpipe — swells, blocking the flow of air into the lungs, the site stated.
‘A number of factors can cause the epiglottis to swell — burns from hot liquids, direct injury to your throat and various infections,’ the clinic explained.
Scary times: According to the Mayo Clinic, Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition. Seen with Brandon on October 19
The most common cause of epiglottitis in children in the past was ‘infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), the same bacterium that causes pneumonia, meningitis and infections in the bloodstream.’
But Epiglottitis can happen at any age.
Routine Hib vaccination for infants has made epiglottitis rare, but the condition remains a concern, it was added.
On her way to practice: The star seen on her way to rehearsal on October 27 in LA
This comes a week after Cheryl Burke suffered a painful head injury during rehearsals for Dancing with the Stars.
The 36-year-old dancer – who is partnered with Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean on the show – lost her footing during a rehearsal and smacked her head against the ballroom floor.
AJ explained: ‘Cheryl and I were practicing during stage rehearsal and it did not go well. It happened so fast, I just heard her head hit the floor.’
In a video clip of the incident, Cheryl could be seen falling backwards and slamming her head against the ground.
AJ, 42, immediately recognised the potential seriousness of the situation and asked his dance partner if she’s okay.
A medic was called to the scene but Cheryl was ultimately given the go-ahead to perform on Monday night’s show.
Tyra Banks, the host of’Dancing with the Stars, provided an update on Cheryl’s health during the broadcast. She said: ‘Cheryl is okay and she is cleared to perform.’
Despite the drama, Cheryl and AJ went on to perform admirably, scoring 26 out of 30 for their tango routine.
Speaking afterwards about Cheryl’s fall, AJ said: ‘I was there with her every second, like, ‘Oh my god! Are you okay? Are you okay?’ She’s family now. I’ve got to protect her like she does for me.’
Elsewhere, Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson scored the first perfect score of the season with their paso doble.
Johnny Weir and Britt Stewart also impressed the judging panel, earning a score of 27 out of 30, while Chrishell Stause and Gleb Savchenko were given 26 points for their paso doble on a Halloween-themed night.
However, cheerleading coach Monica Aldama and her partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy were eliminated from the show after scoring just 22 points and then being sent home by the judges, who opted to save Mai instead.
Another issue: This comes a week after Cheryl Burke suffered a painful head injury during rehearsals for Dancing with the Stars. The 36-year-old dancer – who is partnered with Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean on the show – lost her footing during a rehearsal and smacked her head against the ballroom floor. Seen October 19