‘DWTS’ Contestant Suffers Injury Right Before Premiere Night

A painful mishap occurred just days before Halloween Night — and it wasn't a spooky costume trick.

A contestant on "Dancing With the Stars" (DWTS) ended his rehearsal week on a painful note after suffering an injury during practice. The injury left fans concerned about his well-being and whether he would be able to perform so soon. However, many were also touched by the unwavering support of his ballroom family.

The contestant, Dylan Efron, revealed that he was taken to the hospital after being accidentally hit in the face by his pro partner, Daniella "Dani" Karagach, while they were attempting a new move during rehearsals.

In an Instagram post, he shared the incident with followers, later assuring them in his caption, “Broke my nose, but don't need it to dance 🕺 I'm seriously all good — but I'll never forget the way Dani, Pasha and Danielle WOULDN'T leave my side when it happened, warms my heart to have friends like them ❤️ @daniellakaragach @daniellefishel @pashapashkov."

Karagach, who is married to fellow DWTS pro Pasha Pashkov, was rehearsing alongside him and actress Danielle Fishel when the accident occurred. Despite the setback, Efron remained in good spirits, earning an outpouring of love from fans who wished him a swift recovery.

One fan couldn't help but gush over his positivity, "I just love him. He is ALWAYS smiling, even sitting in the hospital with a broken nose." Another couldn't believe how composed he looked, asking, "How do you still look perfect? 🔥"

Even in the midst of worry, some followers managed to keep things lighthearted. "Still cute tho 🤭😉," one teased, while another joked, "It was probably dani's [sic] hair that broke your nose."

Messages of support also poured in, with one admirer writing, "I hope you're ok brother. sending you love," and another encouraging, "Feel better, Dylan... you are a champ!!🔥." Others shared their disappointment, "I'm so upset. I hope you can still dance ❤️," and another remarked, "Oh no! Wouldn't be a season of DWTS if there wasn’t an injury 🙏."

For the upcoming Halloween Night, Efron and Karagach are preparing a fantastic Viennese Waltz inspired by characters from one of his favorite dark romantic books. The routine promises a haunting mix of elegance and intensity. It also blends mystery, passion, and a touch of gothic charm, fitting for the occasion.

In the previous episode, Efron and Karagach delivered a graceful Rumba to "I'm Not That Girl," captivating the audience with their emotional chemistry and fluid movements.

However, it was the Dedication Night episode, which aired on October 14, that truly left fans buzzing online, with many debating whether the judges' scores reflected the night's performances.

Efron and Karagach performed a moving Contemporary routine to "Rewrite the Stars" by Zac Efron and Zendaya, dedicating the dance to TV personality's little sister, Olivia.

Meanwhile, Robert Irwin and his pro partner, Witney Carson, performed a heartfelt Contemporary routine to "You’ll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins, dedicating the emotional number to the environmentalist's mother, Terri Irwin.

Efron and Karagach earned an impressive 36 out of 40 for their performance, while Irwin and Carson followed closely behind with a score of 35 out of 40. The scores, however, divided fans, many of whom felt Irwin and Carson deserved the higher mark.

One fan could hardly believe what they saw, exclaiming, "NO WAY DYLAN's SCORE WAS HIGHER THAN ROBERT's @officialdwts #DWTS." Another person admitted they were still trying to process it, "The concept of Dylan getting all 9s is still baffling me, but the concept of Carrie Ann giving him a 9 over Robert is a grudge I'll hold til [sic] the end of time #DWTS."

Supporters of Irwin felt especially frustrated, with one insisting, "I'm sorry, but if Dylan deserved the all 9s then so does this AND MORE. Robert was underscored and robbed! [sic]" Another viewer echoed that sentiment, "IMO Robert's contemporary was much better than Dylan's and should've had a higher score @officialdwts #DWTS."

The scoring comparisons didn't stop there. "Scott got two 8's, but Robert didn't get 9's like Dylan? Absurd," one fan complained, adding, "Robert and Dylan are of similar skill level, but Scott is nowhere near Robert's!"

And as the debate grew, another viewer weighed in with their personal ranking, "The top three should go Robert, Alix, then Whitney. Dylan did not do enough to earn the highest score of the season."

Clearly, the judges' decisions have ignited heated debate, with DWTS fans not holding back their opinions. As they look forward to the next episode, many are calling out what they see as unfair scoring.