Dancing Stars: Ex-Ballerina Sarkissova gets out after the first episode

Surprising exit before the first decision: Even before the first couple with the fewest points has to leave the ORF show “Dancing Stars”, there is an early departure in the candidate team: the former juror Karina Sarkissova, who at the start of the show together with her Professional partner Dimitar Stefanin showed a quick step to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” and received 20 jury points for it, gets out. Already after the first dance, Sarkissova didn’t seem to be in good health.

Participation in the ORF dance event is no longer possible for health reasons and on the recommendation of a doctor. The ORF is trying to find a rule-compliant solution with the licensor BBC regarding the further course of the show. A replacement is currently being sought, according to the ORF. Sarkissova, who as a juror was always good for ambivalent comments and reactions, had already pointed out her state of health when announcing her participation as a celebrity dancer. First, the native Russian broke her foot during private training, later she became seriously ill with Covid.

Massive criticism from juror Ekker

Before the show, the 39-year-old said in an OÖN interview that she was not afraid of verbal revenge, for example from her “intimate enemy” Balasz Ekker: “I will certainly not freak out or insult anyone if I am criticized.”
When the Hungarian juror then harshly criticized Sarkissova’s performance last Friday, the former ballet dancer reacted contritely. Ekker’s comment: “I don’t buy that you’re only capable of so little. I would have expected a lot more and I don’t think that was your maximum. If it was just a smart move for the first show, I’ll give it credit. If only like that there’s a lot in it, for me it’s not courage, it’s madness.”

The next issue of “Dancing Stars” is on Friday, March 10, from 8:15 p.m. on ORF 1.