This seems like a very Jerry Gergich move, but who are we to judge. Christie Brinkley, one of the many stars set to cha-cha and foxtrot on the Dancing With the Stars premiere this evening, has unexpectedly quit the show due to sustaining severe arm and wrist injuries during rehearsals. Per an ABC spokesperson, Brinkley has already undergone surgery for the injuries. However, the Brinkley clan will still be sending some peppy blonde DNA to the show’s 28th season: Sailor Brinkley-Cook, a Sports Illustrated model, has taken her mother’s place and will now be competing alongside the likes of Hannah Brown, James Van Der Beek, and, uh, Sean Spicer. “We wish Christie a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her in the audience,†the network’s statement read, “whenever possible, proudly supporting Sailor.†Really, Jim O’Heir wasn’t available? You can read the full statement below:
While rehearsing for the premiere of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ Christie Brinkley suffered injuries which required surgery to her wrist and arm. She is unable to continue her planned participation on the show. Keeping it all in the family, her daughter Sailor Brinkley-Cook, a Sports Illustrated model, has chosen to quickly step in with hours to learn the entire routine and will compete in her mother’s place for the remainder of the season. We wish Christie a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her in the audience, whenever possible, proudly supporting Sailor.