Kerre Woodham will return to Three's Dancing With The Star NZ competition as stand-up comedian Rhys Mathewson and his dance partner Phoebe Robb have tested positive for COVID-19.
This season's show is being filmed under strict health and safety protocols in line with current Government COVID-19 regulations.
BBC Studios format rules indicate that the most recently eliminated contestant is to be invited back to the show. Woodham will re-enter the competition this Sunday with her dance partner Jared Neame.
Mathewson is the second contestant to step aside in the competition, following Eric Murray's departure on Wednesday, after he also tested positive for COVID-19. Alex Vaz and his partner Brittany Coleman will also re-enter the competition this Sunday.
"I'm absolutely devastated for Eric and Rhys because they were so looking forward to being there," said Woodham.
"I'd made my peace, I'd left and gone up to the Hokianga for a visit. But the show's gotta go on, and it certainly takes an awful whole lot of pressure off - the fact that we're there to keep the show ticking over!"
Mathewson's chosen charity was The Fred Hollows Foundation, New Zealand.
Alongside Woodham and reality TV star Vaz, still competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy is award-winning broadcaster Brodie Kane, former professional boxer David Letele, and author and mental health advocate Jazz Thornton.
Week five is the semi-final for Dancing with the Stars NZ, with the grand finale set for Sunday, May 29 at 7pm.
