Las Vegas Weekly

March 6, 2009 · 10:01 AM

It’s official: Jewel and Nancy O’Dell out, Holly Madison in on DWTS

By Robin Leach

Singer-songwriter Jewel shows her moves to dance partner Dmitry Chaplin in preparation for the eighth season of Dancing With the Stars.

Photo: ABC TV

ABC executives have just confirmed that doctors have ordered singer Jewel to officially withdraw from the eighth season of Dancing With the Stars, which premieres Monday night.

Jewel will appear on the show to explain that she has been diagnosed with a fractured tibia in both legs. She had vowed to continue on the show, but it’s now been ruled out by her husband’s own knee surgeon. Jewel’s husband, world champion bull riding superstar Ty Murray, will continue in the competition.

Now fresh from living at our Luxor and her just-ended four-month-long romance with Believe magician Criss Angel, The Girls Next Door star Holly Madison will step in for Jewel.

I’ve confirmed that Holly officially began rehearsing with Dmitry Chaplin last night at a Hollywood dance studio, and they will dance the cha-cha on Monday’s show.

It’s also been confirmed this morning that Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell will drop out of the competition Monday night. Nancy apparently complained about twinges in her knees Wednesday and went for a medical examination yesterday.

Nancy told producers this morning that she has been diagnosed with two knee cartilage tears and has to call it quits even before the competition began. She will report on her show tonight -- recorded this morning -- that “beyond disappointment doesn’t even begin to describe her feelings.”

The medics reported that she would wreck her knees for life if she continued dancing. No word yet -- or guesses -- as to who will be rushed into rehearsals today for another Monday replacement announcement.

The start of Season 8 injury count looks to exceed the walking wounded list from Season 7!

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