Dancing with the Stars 34: Carrie Ann Inaba to miss premiere due to illness. No replacement judge to take her place
It’s only the premiere, and already Dancing with the Stars cast members are calling out sick! Judge Carrie Ann Inaba will miss the first show due to illness. Carrie announced her absence Tuesday morning on social media.
Sources tell Deadline and other outlets that there will be NO replacement judge to take Carrie’s spot. Fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough will deliver critiques and scores to the 14 ballroom pairs. Accordingly, the scores will be based on a 20 point system, instead of the typical 40 points.
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It’s likely that DWTS could not hire a replacement judge with such short notice. Carrie battles several chronic diseases. Carrie, according to People, has been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, “and I have the markers for antiphospholipid syndrome, which can lead to blood clots.” Hopefully she’ll be feeling better soon.
Carrie Ann Inaba announces absence on social media
“I wanted to share that I will not be at the show tonight as I am feeling quite under the weather. I’m resting up and can’t wait to be back next week in good health,” Carrie wrote on her social media accounts. “In the meantime, I wish all the contestants the very best of luck. I’ll be cheering you on from home.”
Dancing with the Stars will simulcast live on ABC and Disney+ and will be available the next day on Hulu.
