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Published on 10/29/2025
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The Latest Shake-Up on the DWTS Dance Floor: Halloween Night Delivers Spooky Surprises and Shocking Exits
The Latest Shake-Up on the DWTS Dance Floor: Halloween Night Delivers Spooky Surprises and Shocking Exits :
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 has once again captivated audiences with its dazzling performances, emotional journeys, and, of course, the nail-biting eliminations. Halloween Night, which aired live on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, proved to be no exception, delivering a frightfully entertaining episode filled with eerie costumes, haunting choreography, and a truly unexpected departure. As the competition intensifies, every week brings new challenges and heightened stakes for the remaining celebrity and professional dancer pairings. This detailed recap delves into the latest happenings, scores, and the dramatic farewell that left fans talking.
The atmosphere was electric as the nine celebrity couples embraced the spooky theme, transforming the ballroom into a ghoulish spectacle. From Argentine Tangos to Contemporary routines, each pair aimed to impress both the judges and the crucial viewing audience at home. Adding to the excitement, two-time Mirrorball champion Cheryl Burke returned as a guest judge, joining the esteemed panel of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, bringing her sharp critiques and deep understanding of ballroom dance to the fore.
Who Said Goodbye This Week? Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik's Journey Ends :
In a turn of events that sent ripples of shock through the fanbase, Jen Affleck, star of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' and her professional partner Jan Ravnik were the latest couple to be eliminated from Dancing with the Stars. Despite delivering a heartfelt Contemporary routine to Taylor Swift's 'Look What You Made Me Do,' their performance, which garnered a score of 34, wasn't enough to secure their spot for another week after the combined judges' scores and fan votes were tallied.
Affleck expressed immense gratitude for her time on the show, reflecting on the experience as 'everything' to her and dedicating her participation to her children. Ravnik, a recent addition to the DWTS pro lineup and a former dancer on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, praised Affleck as a 'rockstar.' Their elimination was particularly surprising given some other low-scoring contenders, fueling discussions among viewers about the power of fan votes and the unpredictable nature of the competition.
Top of the Leaderboard and a Near Miss: Alix Earle Shines, Elaine Hendrix Battles Injury :
While one couple exited, others soared. TikTok influencer Alix Earle and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy truly owned Halloween Night, topping the leaderboard with an impressive score of 43 points, including bonus points from the 'Dance Monster-thon.' Their chilling Argentine Tango to Billie Eilish's 'bury a friend' earned them their first 10s of the season, with judges like Bruno Tonioli calling it 'drop dead good' and Derek Hough commending its intensity and control.
Meanwhile, actress Elaine Hendrix and her partner Alan Bersten faced a significant hurdle. Hendrix sustained a rib injury during rehearsal and was unable to perform live. Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro confirmed she was taken to the hospital but thankfully cleared to remain in the competition. Her pre-recorded rehearsal footage was judged, earning them a score of 32 out of 40, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity and securing their spot for the next week.
The 'Dance Monster-thon': A Spooky Twist and Bonus Points :
Adding an exciting new layer to Halloween Night, the 'Dance Monster-thon' challenge saw all remaining couples take to the floor simultaneously, vying for crucial bonus points. This segment, reminiscent of traditional dance-a-thons, allowed pairs to earn additional points based on how long they survived on the dance floor. The judges eliminated couples one by one, intensifying the competitive spirit.
Ultimately, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas emerged victorious in the 'Dance Monster-thon,' earning a valuable five bonus points that were added to their overall score. This innovative twist not only provided extra entertainment but also significantly impacted the final leaderboard, proving that every point truly matters in this heated competition.
The Road to the Mirrorball: Remaining Contenders :
With Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik's departure, eight formidable couples remain in the quest for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The competition is tighter than ever, showcasing a diverse range of talents and fan favorites. Each celebrity brings their unique flair and dedication to the ballroom, making every week a must-watch event.
The remaining couples include: Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa, TikTok sensation Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy, actor Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach, 'Boy Meets World' star Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov, 'Parent Trap' actress Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin & Witney Carson, influencer Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas, and comedian Andy Richter & Emma Slater. The journey ahead promises more breathtaking performances and heartfelt moments as these stars push their limits.
The Surprise Survival: Andy Richter Continues Against the Odds :
One of the most talked-about aspects of Halloween Night's results was the continued survival of comedian Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater. Despite consistently landing at or near the bottom of the judges' leaderboard throughout Season 34, including a score of 29 on Halloween Night, Richter has been consistently saved by the viewers' votes.
This phenomenon highlights the powerful influence of fan support in 'Dancing with the Stars,' where popularity can sometimes outweigh technical scores. Richter's journey has become a testament to the unpredictable nature of the show, proving that a strong connection with the audience can keep a couple in the running even when facing stiff competition from higher-scoring peers. His continued presence adds an intriguing dynamic to the race for the Mirrorball.
Looking Ahead: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night :
As the dust settles from the Halloween Night eliminations, the focus now shifts to Week 8, which will feature 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night.' This theme promises another exciting array of performances as the remaining eight couples channel the energy and iconic styles of legendary musicians. Viewers can expect electrifying routines and powerful interpretations of classic rock anthems.
The competition is entering its critical phase, with each performance and public vote holding more weight than ever before. With the semifinals rapidly approaching, every celebrity and pro partnership will be pulling out all the stops to secure their place. Fans are eagerly anticipating what musical magic and dance floor drama the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night' will bring.