Dancing with the Stars: Joseph Baena gets temporary new partner

Fans of Dancing with the Stars have been waiting to find out whether or not any of the contestants or dancers would be sitting out this week’s episode due to a covid outbreak after the Monday, Sept. 19 premiere.

At least four cases were reported at the time. The individuals are a part of the show’s crew and work in different departments from one another. Because of the pod systems implemented during production, they didn’t have in-person contact with each other.

A spokesperson relayed to Deadline the following:

"Contact tracing was immediately conducted. All close contacts were notified and put on an increased testing cadence. No close contact of the four positive production employees has since tested positive."

It’s been a week since then and now the outlet is reporting that pro dancer Daniella Karagach has tested positive with covid. She’s partnered with Joseph Baena for season 31. The two earned a score of 23 for their season opening dance but won’t be dancing together for Elvis Night due to Karagach’s covid status. Here’s what that means for Baena.

Joseph Baena receives new Dancing with the Stars partner

While Karagach quarantines, Baena will be partnered with dance troupe member Alexis Warr. Deadline reports that those who were in close contact with Karagach will be masked for tonight’s broadcast. A spokesperson also noted that the pro is completely asymptomatic and the individuals who had been in close contact with her have tested negative for the virus.

Considering Dancing with the Stars had an outbreak at the top of their season, viewers should anticipate partner changes if any more pro dancers, unfortunately, contract covid or if contestants also begin contracting the virus.

We’ll keep you posted on partner changes and eliminations throughout the season. Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for more Dancing with the Stars news and coverage. New episodes of the celebrity competition series premiere Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Disney+.