Dancing With The Stars pro Maurizio Benenato has revealed he will be leaving the series early this year, needed to fly back to his native Italy for personal reasons.
The Latin and Ballroom champion joined the show last year, and was partnered with singer Brooke Scullion for this year’s edition of the show. The pair were top of the leaderboard and earned a 25 points on opening night, the highest ever achieved for a first dance in the show’s history.
Taking to Instagram, Maurizio shared his disappointment at leaving the competition so soon. Saying: “I’m here to unfortunately announced something that’s really, really sad.”
“Due to a personal problem yesterday, I had to fly back to Italy so automatically I’m out of the show. Which is really, really sad and the worst thing for me.”
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Elaborating further, the dancer explained: “Unfortunately, things happen in life and each of us has a priority and my priority now is to solve this problem.”
“It’s very sad. It’s really, really sad. You can’t imagine how I feel, but as I say, ‘it is what it is.’ And I have to face this problem and solve it as soon as possible.”
While Maurizio obviously upset at having to leave the shoe early, he also shared his gratitude at having been able to take part in the hit series, and for his time in Ireland.
“I want to say thank you to all Irish people. You will always say in my heart, it’s been an amazing time in Dublin. Thank you to production Shinawill. I will never forget you, never forget what he did for me.”
“Thank you to RTÉ. Thank you to all the team at Dancing With The Stars from the creative, production, hair and make up, management, stage management, camera, lights, guys you are incredible. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much to all of you,” he gushed.
The Italian also made sure to praise his fellow contestants and wish them well.
Saying: “I want to say as well, good luck to all the contestants, all the celebrities. This year the group was amazing. I am gonna miss you so much and especially to my celebrity partner.”
Addressing Brooke he shared: “I’m sad. Unfortunately I have to leave the show. I’m so sorry, but you are amazing. For sure, you will do great, so good luck. Best of luck for everything.”
“It’s really devastating but unfortunately things can change so easily, and it is what it is. I gonna miss a lot, I’m gonna miss Ireland, I’m gonna miss a lot performing in Dance With The Stars. But now, it’s time to solve these things and come back stronger as soon as possible. With too much love. I wish you a good evening. Watch the show, share the show. And I’ll see you when I see you.”
As of yet, no announcement has been about Brooke’s future on the show or if she will dance tonight.
Here’s wishing Maurizio well and hopefully he will be back soon.
