Dancing With the Stars Pro Artem Chigvintsev to Sit Out Tonight’s Episode — Here’s Why

Dancing With the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev has COVID and will not dance in Tuesday’s episode, the ABC competition announced via social media.

Former Bachelorette Charity Lawson will perform her Latin Night number with troupe member Ezra Sosa in Chigvintsev’s absence.

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Lawson and Chigvintsev nabbed the highest scores of any pair in the reality series’ premiere last week, earning a 22 out of 30 for their tango to Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World).” Meanwhile, Veep alum Matt Walsh and partner Koko Iwasaki were eliminated after their cha-cha to Bel Biv DeVoe’s “Poison” failed to impress — a departure that wasn’t completely unexpected, given Walsh’s decision to step away from the show (and rehearsals) until the Writers Guild of America strike was over. (Read a recap of the season opener to see how the rest of their castmates fared.)

In related news, the premiere was notable in its ditching of the judges’ save, which in past seasons had served as a second chance for couples in jeopardy. A rep for ABC had no further details on why the save has been scrapped, but was quick to note it could return at some point.

Hit the comments with your thoughts/concerns/well wishes for Chigvintsev!

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