“Dancing With the Stars” season 34 brought both chills and cheers during its Halloween Night special on October 28 — but for Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik, it was a spooky goodbye.
The pair became the sixth couple eliminated from the competition after performing a haunting contemporary routine to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do.” Despite strong effort and emotional storytelling, they failed to secure enough votes to advance to the next round.
Affleck, a star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, shared heartfelt words following her elimination, telling hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough:
“This experience has meant everything to me. I did this for my kids and I’m so grateful for the experience.”
Her partner, Slovenian dancer and Eras Tour performer Jan Ravnik, praised Affleck’s spirit, simply adding, “She’s a rockstar, that’s all I’m gonna say.”
"Dancing with the Stars" stars Jennifer Affleck and Jan Ravnik. Andrew Eccles / Disney
A Spooky Spectacle in the Ballroom
Halloween Night has long been one of DWTS fans’ favorite themed episodes, and this year was no exception. The ballroom was transformed into a haunted spectacle as the nine remaining couples performed routines inspired by spooky stories and eerie soundtracks.
Joining regular judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli was two-time Mirrorball champion Cheryl Burke, returning as a guest judge. Burke told The Hollywood Reporter before the episode that she hoped to be a “constructive and encouraging” judge who values “authenticity and growth” in performances.
Burke’s return added nostalgia and insight to the panel, which evaluated a mix of contemporary, tango, jazz, and Viennese waltz performances from this season’s celebrities.
Disney/Christopher Willard
Dance Monster-thon: A Crowd Favorite Returns
The Halloween special also featured the return of the Dance Monster-thon, a marathon-style challenge where all remaining couples danced simultaneously. Judges gradually eliminated duos one by one, rewarding those who lasted longest with extra points.
This season, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas emerged as the final couple standing, earning five bonus points to their overall score. The Dance Monster-thon significantly influenced the final leaderboard and ultimately contributed to Jen and Jan’s elimination.
Elaine Hendrix Injured But Still Judged
In a twist of events, actress Elaine Hendrix — best known for The Parent Trap — was hospitalized after sustaining a rib injury during rehearsals. Though unable to perform live, the judges scored her based on rehearsal footage with partner Alan Bersten.
Fortunately, Hendrix is recovering well and was medically cleared to continue in the competition should she advance.
Her absence underscored the demanding nature of DWTS, where weeks of intense physical training and performance preparation often test contestants’ limits.
Disney/Christopher Willard
Scores from Halloween Night
Below is the leaderboard for Week 7 of “Dancing With the Stars” season 34, combining judges’ scores and bonus points from the Dance Monster-thon:
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Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: 39/40 (Top of leaderboard)
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Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: 38/40
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Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas: 37/40 (+5 bonus = 42 total)
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Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: 35/40
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Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov: 33/40
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Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: 34/40
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Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: 32/40 (from rehearsal footage)
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Andy Richter & Emma Slater: 28/40
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Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik: 32/40 (Eliminated)
Despite their artistic execution and emotional depth, Affleck and Ravnik couldn’t overcome strong competition from the season’s frontrunners.
Disney/Christopher Willard
Remaining Stars Competing for the Mirrorball Trophy
After Halloween Night, eight pairs remain in the race for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The contestants include:
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Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
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Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas
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Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
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Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
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Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
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Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov
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Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
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Andy Richter & Emma Slater
The series will crown its season 34 winner on November 25, during a three-hour finale that promises show-stopping routines and emotional farewells.
Judges Face the Hardest Job
While fans often debate the scores online, the judges themselves acknowledge the difficulty of their role.
Professional dancer Pasha Pashkov, partnered with actress Danielle Fishel, noted in an interview after the October 21 episode:
“I think judges have the hardest job. It’s one thing to give your opinion online, but to pick up that scorecard in front of millions of viewers — knowing there might be backlash — that’s not easy.”
This perspective highlights the emotional intensity behind DWTS, where performance artistry, competition, and public opinion collide weekly.
Looking Ahead: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night
As DWTS continues, fans can look forward to the next themed episode, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night, airing November 4. Future episodes will also include The Show’s 20th Birthday Celebration and Prince Night before the grand finale.
Season 34 airs live on ABC and Disney+ every Tuesday, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
From surprise injuries to emotional goodbyes, this season continues to deliver high drama, dazzling choreography, and unforgettable performances.
Though Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik’s journey ended on Halloween Night, their presence added heart and inspiration to a competition that remains one of television’s most beloved traditions.