Halloween Magic and Heartbreak: ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Delivers Its Most Dramatic Episode Yet
The ballroom transformed into a bewitching wonderland Tuesday night as “Dancing with the Stars” celebrated its most anticipated themed episode of the season: Halloween Night. In a evening filled with gothic glamour, supernatural choreography, and unexpected drama, the competition proved once again why it remains television’s most enchanting dance phenomenon—now in its historic 34th season.
The night’s most thrilling moment arrived during the innovative “Dance Monster-thon,” a marathon challenge that pushed the remaining competitors to their absolute limits. Whitney Leavitt of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” fame and her partner Mark Ballas emerged victorious as the final couple standing, earning a coveted five bonus points that could prove crucial as the competition intensifies. The format—which saw judges systematically eliminate couples until only one pair remained—added an electrifying layer of suspense to the proceedings.
However, the evening was not without its melancholy moments. Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik bid farewell to the ballroom at night’s end, their elimination marking another bittersweet chapter in this season’s journey. More concerning was the absence of actress Elaine Hendrix, who suffered a rehearsal injury that prevented her from performing live. In an unprecedented move, judges evaluated Hendrix’s Halloween routine based on rehearsal footage—a testament to the show’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity despite unforeseen circumstances.
The judges’ panel itself received a glamorous upgrade with the return of ballroom royalty Cheryl Burke. The two-time Mirror Ball Trophy champion joined regulars Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, bringing her signature blend of technical expertise and emotional intelligence. In conversation with The Hollywood Reporter prior to the episode, Burke promised to deliver “constructive and encouraging” critiques while seeking “authenticity and growth” from the remaining contestants.
Nine couples entered Halloween Night, representing an eclectic mix of cultural icons: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Affleck and Leavitt, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, social media sensation Alix Earle, The Traitors champion Dylan Efron (yes, Zac’s brother), actresses Danielle Fishel and Hendrix, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin (carrying on his legendary father Steve’s legacy), and comedian-actor Andy Richter. Each brought their unique energy to Halloween’s supernatural theme.
The elimination follows last week’s enchanting Wicked Night, which saw Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold depart after the cast paid homage to the upcoming “Wicked: For Good” film, with director Jon M. Chu serving as guest judge.
With four weeks remaining until the November 25 finale—a three-hour extravaganza that will crown the season’s champions—the competition enters its most critical phase. Upcoming themed nights promise equal spectacle: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the show’s 20th Birthday Party celebration, and Prince Night during the semi-finals.
As always, fate rests in the hands of both judges and viewers, with live voting determining which couples continue their ballroom dreams and which must hang up their dancing shoes.
See the full list of scores for week seven of DWTS season 34 (aka Halloween Night) below.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas: 37/40
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: 34/40
Andy Richter and Emma Slater: 28/40
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: 32/40 (Judges’ scores came from rehearsal footage due to Elaine’s injury.)
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov: 33/40
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: 38/40
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik: 32/40 (ELIMINATED)
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: 39/40
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: 35/40
