Jenna Dewan praises Alan Bersten after stepping in for suspended partner on DWTS

Jenna Dewan said the show must continue after her regular "Dancing With the Stars" partner Val Chmerkovskiy was absent for Tuesday’s "Dedication Night" episode because of a one-week suspension. Speaking on "Good Morning America," the 45-year-old actress explained that she and professional dancer Alan Bersten had only two and a half days to rehearse together.

"I learned this early on — in life, but also especially in our business — that the show must go on. Sometimes, unexpected things happen and you have to pivot. And then your job is to make the best of that, and your mental game is what you’re in control of," Dewan said.

She added that Bersten "stepped up" and praised his performance, noting that his heart was present throughout the routine. Bersten said he coordinated with Chmerkovskiy, who gave him flexibility on choreography.

"Obviously, Jenna is Val’s partner, so we were in communication. He was like, ‘Change whatever you want. Do whatever you want. Just enjoy,’" he told the program.

Dewan performed a Viennese waltz to the Righteous Brothers’ "Unchained Melody" in memory of her mother, earning her first perfect ten of the season and a total of 37 out of 40. Judges Derek Hough called her a "class act," and Carrie Ann Inaba described the dance as the "ultimate breakthrough."

Chmerkovskiy’s suspension followed a TikTok post that referenced Will Smith’s Oscars slap after Inaba’s critique of his wife, Jenna Johnson. The remark led to fan backlash, an apology from Chmerkovskiy, and the producer BBC Studios imposing the suspension. Sources said the suspension has now been lifted and Chmerkovskiy will resume rehearsals with Dewan ahead of the upcoming "Horror Movie Night" episode.