DANCING With The Stars fans have been left crying and “unwell” after a fan-favorite pro announces they are retiring as a dancer on the show.
Mark Ballas danced with his Season 31 partner, Charli D’Amelio, on the Las Vegas tour stop on March 12, when he made the announcement.
Instagram / dwtstourofficialDancing With The Stars fans were left ‘unwell’ when a pro announced their were stepping back as a dancer from the show[/caption]
ABC / Eric McCandlessMark Ballas has competed on the show for 20 seasons and is hanging up his dancing shoes[/caption]
The last day of the 2023 tour happened on Sunday night, and DWTS fans not only got to see amazing talent, but received an announcement they didn’t want to hear.
As reigning champions, Mark and Charli got to participate in a few dates on tour.
Twitter user, Aya, (@BeanBallas), posted about the pro’s announcement on Sunday night.
“Mark announced his DWTS retirement tonight. I am unwell,” she wrote.
Other DWTS fans left their heartbroken reactions in the comments.
They later added a video of the sad moment.
Mark stood on stage with Charli and Emma Slater.
“I want to finish this by saying, I’ve done 20 seasons now,” he said to the crowd, who cheered loudly.
“I started this journey when I was 21, 22, and honestly, being able to dance and perform for you fans, you guys are the best fans. I just feel like tonight is special since we’re closing the tour.”
He added: “Also, just give it up for this cast. But, my mom is here tonight, my dad is here tonight, my wife is here tonight, my wife’s mom and dad are here tonight.”
And then Mark delivered news that his fans did not want to hear.
“So, I just want to finish this by saying, this will be the last time you will see me dance in this capacity. I’m coming to a close tonight. This is going to be my last dance.”
The crowd erupted in groans and shouts.
Mark continued: “I had the best time ever this season and this freestyle was just a great way to finish it off. This song means the world to me. Charli means the world to me. The D’Amelio family, you guys mean the world to me.”
He then thanked the crowd and then teased them with another sort-of announcement.
“And I’m not saying this is the end. This is just the last time I will be dancing with a partner. And I wanted to finish this with Charli and I appreciate you guys so much.”
The crowd gave him a standing ovation as the tour cast came out to give the 36-year-old hugs.
Emma, who was the MC of the tour, said that the “show wouldn’t have been the same without him.”
He then performed his last dance with the Tiktok star.
Mark is the second-winningest pro in DWTS history, with three wins.
He falls just behind his best friend, Derek Hough, who has won six times.
The pro made his comeback this season after not competing since Season 25.
‘UNWELL’
Some Reddit users screenshotted the Twitter user’s tweet and took to the platform to comment on the shocking announcement.
“Selfishly, I’m sad because Mark is my all time favorite pro and I loved getting to see him create. But I’m also glad he’s taking care of himself, because we saw how hard this season was on his body,” said one fan.
“I hope that he continues to create, even if it’s mostly from a choreographer’s role now. His passion for the art of dance was on full display last season and I’d love to see what else he has brewing in his brain.”
To that, another fan wrote that they want him and Derek to do a Broadway show together.
“I think it was time for him, I am really sorry because he was fantastic and did something unique. It would be so great to see Mark as a main choreographer,” wrote another.
A third added: “Always loved Mark as a pro, it’s sad to see him go after such an amazing season with Charli.”
“Aww! That’s so sad! I was hopeful he’d come back,” commented an upset fan.
“Stop,” another fans wrote with a bunch of crying emojis.
“Bummed, but not surprised,” said another.
“Wait a minute. WHAT?” asked a Twitter user.
“My jaw dropped way too quickly. What?” asked another.
“Nooooooooooo,” said one last fan with a bunch of broken heart emojis.
‘THIS IS NOT THE END’
Mark gave fans some hope when he said “This is not the end” during his speech.
DWTS fans would love for him to come back and be a choreographer for the show or a guest judge.
Others want him to replace Len Goodman as head judge.
“Time for @MarkBallas to now become Len’s replacement on the judging panel and be the new judge for season 32!! PLEASE @officialdwts MAKE MARK THE NEW JUDGE!!” wrote one Twitter user.
On the Season 31 semi-finals, Len announced that he would be retiring from the competition show.
The penultimate episode of DWTS‘ season 31 featured several shocking moments from Witney Carson’s pregnancy news to Gabby Windey discussing her split and, finally, Len, 78, revealing his next chapter.
Ahead of the second round of competition, host Tyra Banks teased a big announcement from the judge.
Len told viewers: “Whilst we’re all getting excited and looking forward so much to the finale next week, it will also be with a touch of sadness as this will be my last season judging on Dancing With the Stars.
“I’ve been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show, but I’ve decided I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain.”
The head judge continued: “I cannot thank you enough, the Dancing With the Stars family. It’s been such a wonderful experience for me and I’m looking forward so much to next week’s finale. I’m sure it’s gonna be absolutely brilliant.”
Fellow judges Derek, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli stood up and gathered around Len for hugs.
As sad as fans were to see him go, they think Mark would make a great replacement.
Aside from DWTS, Mark has also been busy with his band, Alexander Jean, whom he is in with his wife, singer/songwriter, BC Jean.
ABC/Christopher WillardMark and Charli competed together on DWTS, winning Mark his third mirrorball[/caption]
GettyFans want him to replace Len Goodman as head judge[/caption]
GettyThe dancer will probably now turn his full-focus on his band, Alexander Jean, whom he is in with his wife, BC Jean[/caption]
