Inès Vandamme Reportedly Faced Backlash for Suggesting ‘Dancing with the Stars‘ Was a Second Choice
Professional dancer Inès Vandamme may be leaving Dancing with the Stars, and sources suggest the show’s production team was displeased with comments implying it wasn’t her first choice. The potential departure comes after Vandamme’s name was considered for a role on Star Academy, leading to speculation about her commitment to the dance competition.
According to Clément Garin, a source close to the production revealed that Vandamme’s remarks were not well-received, as they portrayed Dancing with the Stars as a “plan B.” The source, speaking to Garin, stated, “They didn’t like her saying that publicly, because it showed people that DALS was a plan B for her. If Star Ac had chosen her, she would have left DALS without any worries and that she stayed because she had no other offers.” This perceived lack of loyalty has reportedly created tension between Vandamme and the show’s producers.
Vandamme has not publicly commented on the reports. As joining Dancing with the Stars in 2019, she has become a fan favorite, reaching the final in 2019 with Ladji Doucouré and again in 2023 with Nico Capone. She also reached the semi-final in 2022 with Jungeli and was eliminated early in 2021 with Jean-Baptiste Maunier. Doucouré is currently a sports teacher at Star Academy, adding another layer to the connection between the two programs.
The situation raises questions about Vandamme’s future on dancing with the Stars and whether she will return for a sixth season. The outcome could impact the show’s dynamic, as Vandamme has consistently been a prominent figure throughout her five seasons.