Emotional Breakdown: Former ‘DWTS’ Contestant Shares Heartfelt Reactions to Missing the Finale

Whitney Leavitt, a star from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, had an emotional exit from Dancing With the Stars during this season’s semifinals. Even though she scored highly with the judges, she and her partner Mark Ballas faced elimination just before the finals.

In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Whitney opened up about the deep feelings that followed her departure. She compared the experience to a breakup and expressed how strange it felt not to be in the studio every day. “It feels like I’m going through withdrawals right now,” she shared.

Whitney highlighted the strong friendships made during the competition. “You grow real connections,” she noted, emphasizing how much support and love she received from both her fellow contestants and her partner.

Though Whitney didn’t take home the Mirrorball Trophy, she walked away with valuable lessons and a lasting friendship with Mark. She stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your dreams, saying, “It’s important to have a support system.”

Her struggles resonated with others. Several of her co-stars chimed in with supportive messages. “Love you and so proud of you,” commented castmate Mayci Neeley. Others, like Danielle Fishel, expressed understanding of the emotional toll of elimination, reminding Whitney that this was just the beginning.

Whitney’s exit sparked conversations about the emotional highs and lows of reality show competitions. Comedian Andy Richter, who was eliminated shortly before her, voiced his disbelief at her departure. He suggested that external factors might have impacted the voting, hinting that some aspects of the show create drama that overshadows talent.

Interestingly, a recent survey found that reality TV participants often report feeling mentally drained after elimination. This highlights the emotional stakes involved, as contestants invest not just time but also their feelings into the experience.

While Whitney might not have won the trophy, she gained insights, friendships, and an experience that she will carry with her. Dancing With the Stars continues to air on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams on Hulu the following day.

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