Elaine Hendrix‘s long-awaited return to dancing has taken an unexpected turn. “The Parent Trap” star revealed from a hospital bed that she has been sidelined by an injury, and her emotional message made it clear how much the setback hurts. 

For the actress, the moment is especially heartbreaking. Before finding fame as an actress, she dreamed of a professional career until a car accident at 21 forced her to give it up. “Dancing With The Stars” gave Elaine Hendrix a chance to reconnect with her first love, but now it hangs in the balance.

Hendrix is living every “Dancing With The Stars” contestant’s worst nightmare. She shared an emotional video from her hospital bed after being rushed in with a painful rib injury that left her unable to move.

“I injured my ribs during ‘Defying Gravity,’ and today they just seized up,” she explained, lying in bed with monitors attached. But what was heartbreaking was when her voice cracked and tears filled her eyes. “I want to dance, I want to keep doing this,” she said softly, fighting back emotion. 

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The injury forced her to sit out this week’s show, but she remains determined to return. “The doctor has said that with a day or two of rest, I should be able to continue, and that’s exactly what I want to do,” she said.

In the Instagram reel, she also praised her dance partner, Alan Bersten, for “holding down the fort,” and urged fans to keep voting as she focuses on healing for next week’s performance.

Hendrix may be off the dance floor for now, but her fans are making sure she feels their love. After she revealed she was hospitalized, her comment section quickly filled with messages of support.

One follower shared that their whole “household voted to keep her in,” while another wrote, “We are sending you so much love.” Others chimed in with emotional messages like, “Pray you heal soon, lovely. We are all rooting for you and love you,” and “Praying for you!!! You have my vote!!!!”

A fifth supporter praised her strength, writing, “You are a strong dancer and actress, and prayers are sent to get a fast recovery, Elaine!” This netizen simply encouraged, “Get well soon! You’re one of my frontrunners!!”

Before her recent setback, Hendrix was gearing up for a nostalgic reunion in competition. PEOPLE shared that she had invited her former co-star, Lisa Ann Walter, to join her for Dedication Night, a special episode in which contestants honor someone meaningful in their lives. 

The reunion was set to be a full-circle moment for fans who remember their iconic on-screen rivalry, Hendrix as the scheming Meredith Blake, and Walter as the lovable nanny, Chessy.

“They said Dedication Week was coming. I said, ‘Well, I need to have Lisa Ann Walter there with me,'” Hendrix told the outlet.

Her pro partner Alan Bersten could not hide his excitement, teasing that their performance would include a nod to the movie. “Lisa is such a support to Elaine,” he said. “We’re dancing to a song from The Parent Trap, which is so incredible.”

For Hendrix, joining “DWTS” is not just another Hollywood gig; it is a full-circle moment decades in the making. Women’s Health revealed that the 54-year-old once dreamed of becoming a professional dancer before a devastating bike accident at 21 forced her to give up that path.

The crash left her with arthritis and a titanium joint in her right foot, making a return to dance seem impossible for years. Now, as part of season 34’s cast, Hendrix calls this opportunity a “second chance.” In her words:

“As I get older, I’m reprioritizing to make sure that I’m getting the activity back in my life because I know how good it is for me.”

She also shares that she has been working hard to prepare her body for the intense rehearsals, using massages, acupuncture, and ice baths, to keep her muscles loose and her joints strong.

Hendrix may have won hearts with her “Parent Trap” charm, but when it comes to “DWTS,” the odds are not exactly in her favor.

The Blast reported findings from Casino.Guru, which analyzed the last 10 seasons using data such as winner demographics, dance experience, and fanbase strength to predict who is most likely to take home the Mirrorball Trophy.

The study revealed that the average champion is 28, and nearly half had zero formal dance training, proving fan love often trumps perfect steps.

Unfortunately, Hendrix sits at 40:1 odds. While her legacy and likability could help her stay in the game, history suggests nostalgia alone will not secure the crown.

Meanwhile, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles leads the pack, with her athletic edge and strong fanbase putting her in a prime position for Mirrorball glory.