Mark Ballas was injured during rehearsals for Dancing With the Stars yesterday, leaving his availability for this evening’s season finale in serious jeopardy.
Ballas crashed to the floor while rehearsing a freestyle routine with celebrity partner Candace Cameron Bure, a show spokesperson has confirmed:
"Mark was seriously injured during camera blocking. His shoulder popped out during a lift and he was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he was treated and released."
"It’s unclear whether or not he’ll be able to perform on Monday’s show."
The injury occurred at the CBS studio where he and Bure were working on complex maneuver that involved Ballas lifting the actress onto his shoulders.
Fellow pro dancers Derek Hough and Cheryl Burke were at the studio at the time of the injury, immediately rushing to Ballas’ side on the ballroom floor.
They encouraged him to sit out the Monday finale so that the injury would not get worse, but Ballas is insisting he wants to perform if at all possible.
As a precaution, another DWTS pro will learn Candace’s routines and be ready to step in for Ballas should he ultimately need to sit out Monday’s show.
Four couples will compete in the Season 18 two-night finale beginning tonight, when the final performance show airs Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Tuesday’s live two-hour results show will crown the Mirror Ball winner.
Who do you think it will be? Vote in our survey below: