Statement from John Rowles:
“Under medical advice, I have decided to withdraw from Dancing With The Stars.
I am suffering from exhaustion, and am unable to continue with the demands of rehearsing for and appearing on Dancing With The Stars. I have been advised to rest.
I would like to thank the viewers who voted for me in the first few weeks, and to thank Krystal for all the hard work she put into training me and choreographing our dances.”
Statement from TVNZ Head of Television Jeff Latch:
“John Rowles has decided to leave Dancing With The Stars. We are sad to see him go, as he is a New Zealand entertainment icon, who struck a chord with viewers and who has been a talented and entertaining contestant.
We would love him to stay, but we totally understand and respect his decision to leave the show. We wish him well.
John will not appear in tomorrow night’s show, and due to John’s withdrawal, there will be no elimination this week.
The voting lines for John have been closed. The money raised from votes already cast for John and Krystal will go to his chosen charity, Project Hope.
Votes for the remaining couples will accumulate and be counted towards next week’s elimination (Tuesday 21 March).”