A hard decision. Selma Blair announced that she’s leaving Dancing With the StarsDue to health concerns during her ongoing battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
“We need to talk,” the Jane, Jack, Duncan, and ZoeAn alumnus, 50, told her partner Sasha FarberDuring Monday’s episode of Disney+ reality competition series, September 17. Blair said that her doctors had been watching her throughout the competition and that recent tests showed that her body was suffering from significant stress. “It just all adds up to … I can’t go on with the competition,” she said, before adding that she wanted to have “one last gentle dance” with Farber, 38.
The duo performed a Waltz to “What the World Needs Now Is Love” by Andra Day. The song was released in 2017, the year of the Cruel IntentionsActress was diagnosed with MS.
“I was sick for so many years. I was searching and searching for how to help myself,” Blair said in a pre-taped package. She shared that when her 11-year-old son Arthur was young, she would look at other mothers who were active and wonder why she couldn’t be more like them. “I just thought, ‘Oh, I’m a failure as a mom,’” she said, adding that getting diagnosed was “a huge relief” and “the beginning of recovery as a person.”
After the Michigan native’s final moments on the ballroom floor, the judges congratulated her for making it this far. Len Goodman told her, “This competition is hard for everyone, but If the others have climbed hills, you have climbed mountains.” Derek HoughThe Legally Blonde actress “a beacon of light” and said that she had an “impeccable “reputation” for being kind to everyone involved with DWTS. All four judges gave her a 10.
“Every one of you, I’m so honored to be in this room with you. I sob, it’s true,” Blair said during her post-dance interview with cohost Alfonso Ribeiro. She explained that even though it was difficult to decide to step back, it was her duty to her son to prioritize her own health. Arthur, The Sweetest ThingEx-boyfriend shares actress’s love with actress Jason BleickAfter the performance, he joined her onstage.
“This competition has shown me how much I love to be with people who are trying their hardest,” she said. “How much I love being around music even though I don’t have musicality.” She added
Ribeiro, 51 yrs. old, stated that Farber’s partner helped him get through a difficult time after he lost a friend. “Getting to dance with her … she’s just turned everything the way that it needs to be. She’s inspired me again,” he said.
Due to the Kath & Kim alum’s early exit from DWTSNo couples were eliminated in the episode. At the end of Tuesday, October 18, episode, one pair will be sent home. Votes cast during the Monday’s show will still count toward the Tuesday elimination.
Dancing With the StarsAirs Mondays at 8 p.m. on Disney+ ET.
