For the first time in 21 seasons, Dancing with the Stars has forced a celebrity to withdraw from the show due to injury. Former housewife Kim Zolciak and her professional dancer partner Tony Dovolani were officially disqualified from the show after her doctor advised her not to make the flight out to Los Angeles following her mini-stroke last week.
Host of the show, Tom Bergeron explained that although both Tony and Kim pleaded to remain on the show, the executives ultimately decided to disqualify them, as they would have to go through lawyers and a bunch of bureaucracy if they were to let them stay in the competition (due to the set rules dealing with health-related matters).
Fellow professional dancer Mark Ballas, who is still on the show, discussed the decision. He noted, “If it’s in the contract, it’s in the contract. If it’s in the rules, it’s in the rules. We’ve had people withdraw before, just not in this fashion. What are you going to do? The reality is health and family come first. It’s not easy. Yeah, it’s a fun show, but it’s very physical.”
In contrast, fellow dancer Derek Hough commented more light-heartedly, saying, “If they wanted to have her come back, I’d absolutely be fine with that.”
The announcement of their disqualification was made last night during the show. Kim’s partner Tony was interviewed shortly after, saying, “We didn’t know until Tom announced it. I didn’t know, but when Tom hugged me, I knew right away.”
Kim also took to Twitter after the surprising news. The post read, “[I’m] a winner regardless! I have the most incredible husband (thanks for being my rock) and 6 AMAZING kids! #BringKimandTonyBack”
Kim Zociak, Twitter post:
In a winner regardless! I have the most incredible husband (thanks for being my rock) and 6 AMAZING kids! #BringKimandTonyBack
— Kim ZolciakBiermann (@Kimzolciak) September 29, 2015
Television network ABC is developing a family comedy based on the life of rapper Nicki Minaj.
Nicki will not only be the executive producer of the show, but the star will also have a role on the half-hour series. In a release, ABC revealed that the show will focus on Nicki’s “vibrant family and the personal and musical evolution that led to her eventual rise to stardom.”
Nicki commented on her newest project, saying, “this is one of the more unique adventures I’ve ever embarked on. I couldn’t be more proud and excited to team up with an amazing group of people to give the world something really special.”
The sitcom is being written co-produced by Kate Angelo, who is known for her work on Will and Grace and Bernie Mac.
Minaj has already dabbled in the world of acting, as she provided vocals in Ice Age: Continental Drift and co-starred in The Other Woman with Cameron Diaz. At this point, there have been no details released about her role or the casting for the upcoming ABC sitcom.