Dancing With the Stars professional Witney Carson has opened up about the difficult final week she experienced alongside celebrity partner Guillermo Rodriguez before their elimination from Season 35. Although the pair appeared cheerful and determined during their performances, Carson revealed that both were struggling behind the scenes as the demands of the competition intensified. Competing while approximately 20 weeks pregnant, the 32-year-old dancer admitted that their final days were more challenging than viewers might have realized.
The emotional revelation came after Witney and Guillermo were eliminated during the October 13 episode. Despite delivering their highest-scoring performance of the season, the pair failed to secure enough combined support to remain in the competition, bringing their journey to an unexpected conclusion.
Guillermo, the television personality best known for his appearances alongside Jimmy Kimmel, entered the competition without professional dancing experience. Throughout the season, he became known for his entertaining routines, humorous personality, and determination to improve, even as the judges regularly pointed out areas where his technique needed work.
For their final performance, Witney and Guillermo delivered an energetic salsa to Bad Bunny’s “Tití Me Preguntó.” The routine featured lively choreography and memorable moments that showcased their growing confidence. Their efforts earned 22 points out of 40, their highest score of the season.
Despite the improved score, the couple was eliminated after previously surviving several difficult results. Their departure disappointed viewers who had grown attached to Guillermo’s joyful personality. However, the story behind their final week became clearer when Witney began discussing what they had experienced away from the ballroom.
Speaking after their elimination, Witney admitted that competing while pregnant had presented challenges she had never expected to encounter. She explained that she had never imagined participating in such a demanding television competition at this stage of pregnancy, but credited Guillermo for helping make the experience possible through his encouragement and support.
The professional dancer then revealed that the physical and emotional demands had become particularly difficult toward the end of their journey. “Towards the end there, we were both breaking down a little bit,” she admitted, offering a rare glimpse into the exhausting reality behind their televised performances.
Witney’s comments revealed a different side of the cheerful partnership viewers had watched each week. Behind their entertaining routines were long rehearsals, physical exhaustion, and the pressure of preparing increasingly challenging dances. For Guillermo, learning unfamiliar techniques was already difficult, while Witney was also adapting to the changes associated with her pregnancy.
Guillermo was quick to express his admiration for his professional partner. Praising Witney’s dedication and determination, he described her as an exceptional dancer and emphasized his appreciation for everything she had done to help him throughout the competition. His response reflected the close friendship and mutual respect the two had developed.
Earlier in the season, Witney had also addressed speculation that she secretly wanted to leave the competition because of her pregnancy. Some viewers interpreted her facial expressions during elimination announcements as disappointment whenever she and Guillermo were declared safe. However, she explained that her reactions reflected concern for the contestants being eliminated, not a desire to end her partnership.
Witney made it clear that she valued the opportunity to continue dancing with Guillermo and appreciated his willingness to work hard despite having no professional experience. She also reassured concerned viewers that she was following medical guidance and paying attention to her physical well-being throughout the competition.
Although their elimination ended their pursuit of the Mirrorball Trophy, Guillermo looked back on the experience with gratitude. He acknowledged that learning to dance had been more physically demanding than he expected, but said he enjoyed performing each week. Their journey also allowed him to build friendships with fellow contestants and create memories beyond the competition itself.
What viewers saw as an entertaining journey was also an emotional and physically demanding experience for Witney Carson and Guillermo Rodriguez. Despite facing difficult rehearsals and ultimately being eliminated after their strongest performance, the pair left Dancing With the Stars Season 35 with memorable routines, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for what they had accomplished together. Witney’s candid revelation offered fans a reminder that some of the most meaningful stories happen long before the dancers step onto the ballroom floor.
