4 hours ago
5
Dancing With the Stars' Mark Ballas Calls Out BFF Derek Hough for Being "Messy House Guest"
Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro is one dancer down.
One contestant was forced to unexpectedly leave the competition early following a painful mishap in rehearsals during the ABC show’s July 27 episode. The incident occurred when Stephani Sosa accidentally hit fellow hopeful Natalie Jolley hard in the face with her arm while performing group choreography in the dance studio.
The run-in left Natalie in tears as she covered her face crying before revealing a massively swollen eye.
Contestant Adele Zaikman noted, "It’s like a black eye," before the 20-year-old was removed from rehearsals so she could receive medical attention from on-set professionals.
In a confessional, Stephani was a wreck over having caused injury to another dancer.
"I don’t know what happened," the 26-year-old sister of DWTS pro Ezra Sosa recounted. "The dance was moving so quickly, and Natalie got hit in the face. I just hate being the one that caused that. Like, I just feel horrible. I know she’s worked really hard to be here and I hope she’s okay."
Meanwhile, Natalie—who told medical staff "it hurts really bad"—was brought to an ambulance for further treatment.
Amid the chaos, choreographer Britt Stewart admitted she was "really feeling for Natalie" in that moment as her future in the competition remained up in the air.
"She’s part of this group challenge," the DWTS pro noted in a confessional. "This incident really showcases why dancing as a unit, being aware of your space, is so important when you’re doing group dance work."
Disney/Vince Valitutti
The next day, Jolley did not return to perform the group challenge in front of judges Mark Ballas and his mom Shirley Ballas. And when it came time for the judges' elimination, the contestants got a pleasant surprise.
"Tonight was the last dance for...neither of you," Shirley announced. "Following Natalie’s injury, she was not medically cleared to compete, and so she has been eliminated."
She added, "This means you will all live to dance another day."
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Natalie then joined the group to say her final goodbye.
"I’m really sad and disappointed that I won’t be able to continue in this competition, but the most important thing is just to take care of my body so that I can dance again," she said. "I love all of you so, so, so much and I’m going to miss you all. Thank you so much."
See the competition continue when Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC and streams on Hulu.
In the meantime, keep reading to meet the incredible talents vying for a coveted spot on next season of DWTS.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Erik Linder
When the Swedish-born performer isn't busting a move in the dance studio, he's catching waves surfing in Los Angeles where he currently resides.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Natalie Jolley
Awards and titles? This pro's got plenty. Natalie is a proud eight-time U.S. national dance champion, a six-time U.K. champion, a four-time international champion and has won the World Smooth Championships four times.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Selena Hamilton
Selena has appeared alongside KATSEYE in GAP's iconic choreography-focused 2025 ad campaign and has also toured as a backup dancer for Doechii.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Tristen Sanders
The Georgia native specializes in hip hop in addition to ballroom.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Stephani Sosa
If this Latin powerhouse looks familiar, it's because her brother is none other than DWTS pro Ezra Sosa.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Briar Nolet
The Los Angeles-based dancer and model has found quite the social media fandom with over 800,000 Instagram users following her every footstep in the dance studio.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
AJ Pritchard
This Brit knows how to work it for the TV cameras. The older brother of Love Island alum Curtis Pritchard made it to the semi-finals on season seven of Britain's Got Talent before spending four seasons as a pro on Strictly Come Dancing. So, he’s no stranger to being judged by The Next Pro’s Shirley Ballas.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Adele Zaikman
This Israeli Ukrainian athlete currently resides in Los Angeles where she works as a performer and dance teacher.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Allen Genkin
Based in San Jose, Calif., he’s graced the DWTS dance floor before, winning the show's "Ballroom Battle" challenge in 2012.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Nina Mayster
Nina owns and runs her own Pennsylvania dance studio.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Benji Castro
This Miami artist made it to the top seven competing on So You Think You Can Dance? season 16.
Disney/Maarten De Boer
Jake Monreal
Another member in the DWTS extended family, he competed on Dancing With the Stars Juniors in 2018 before appearing on season 13 of So You Think You Can Dance?, where he placed seventh.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
English (US) ·