Reality TV star Alex Vaz will make a shock return to Dancing With The Stars NZ (DWTS NZ) this Sunday after fellow competitor Eric Murray tested positive for COVID-19.
Vaz, a former Heartbreak Island contestant, was on Monday night eliminated from DWTS NZ, along with his ballroom partner Brittany Coleman.
However, with Murray's positive COVID-19 test forcing him from the competition, the show's rules mean the most recently eliminated contestants - Vaz and Coleman - will return, DWTS NZ host Sharyn Casey told The Project on Wednesday.
"I'm very disappointed that our ending has come down to COVID but it's always a risk we took at this current time," Murray said in a statement.
"I'm looking forward to watching my fellow competitors dance and we'll be back to watch the grand finale to celebrate who comes out on top."
Vaz will be rejoining broadcaster Brodie Kane, former professional boxer David Letele, mental health advocate Jazz Thornton and comedian Rhys Mathewson who remain in the competition.
"Week five is the semi-final for Dancing with the Stars NZ, with the grand finale set for Sunday, May 29 at 7pm," said Warner Bros Discovery, which produces DWTS NZ.
DWTS NZ returns to Three this Sunday and can also be streamed via ThreeNow.
