3/6/2009

in

Season 8 of "Dancing with the Stars" hasn't even started yet and contestants Jewel and Nancy O'Dell have already pulled out of the competition due to injuries.

Shaina Wizov

Just days before the premiere of *DWTS*, two contestants withdrew, citing injuries that occurred during rehearsal, according to *The Insider*. *Access Hollywood* host Nancy O'Dell needs knee surgery due to a torn meniscus, and singer-song writer Jewel fractured her tibia in both legs, according to *Entertainment Weekly*.  
  
There is one other contestant dealing with an injury; however, he is determined to stay in the competition, at least for now. Actor Gilles Marini was diagnosed with tendonitis in his shoulder and groin area in February, but he does not want to leave the show just yet. The actor will dance the cha-cha with his partner, Cheryl Burke, on Monday night. "We're going to try to do the first dance and take it from there," said Marini, according to *People*.  
  
Dealing with medical emergencies is a normal part of performing, especially on the set of *DWTS*. Last season, the show lost contestant Misty May-Treanor midway through the competition due to an injury to her Achilles tendon that happened during a rehearsal. *DWTS* executive producer Conrad Green told *People Magazine* that they are used to dealing with emergencies that arise on the show.  
  
But no matter what the emergency, the show must go on! Jewel and O'Dell will be at Monday night's premiere; however, *People* reports that a casting change will be announced and two new celebrities will join the show. These contestants will be coming into the competition having had little rehearsal, giving the other couples an advantage as far as practice time.  
  
Rumors have started circulating about who will take the open spots. There is talk of *The Girl's Next Door* star Holly Madison taking Jewel's place, according to *Entertainment Weekly*. The former *Playboy* model ended her relationship with *Playboy* founder Hugh Hefner last year, freeing her up for an opportunity like this. "She's wanted to do it for so long. It just never worked with her schedule and Hef was always like 'I don't want you to do that,'" said Bridget Marquardt, Madison's friend and co-reality TV star, according to Reuters Canada.  
  
Despite rumors, the official replacements for Jewel and O'Dell will not be revealed until Monday night's show.  
  
All the dancing, and hopefully no more injuries, will start with a two-hour premiere Monday at 8/7c on ABC.