Tom DeLay and Debi Mazar Off Dancing With the Stars

Two popular contestants on Dancing With the Stars have left the show, though for vastly different reasons. Former Congressman Tom DeLay has left the show by choice after suffering stress fractures in both of his feet. DeLay, who faced some political and personal issues during his time in Congress and after his retirement from government, sought to show his lighter side by appearing on the show. The show’s producers, on the other hand, hoped that the ex-Congressman would make for good television.

As it turns out, DeLay did lead to a lot of press and viewers, but the 62-year-old dancer’s feet simply couldn’t hold out. Debi Mazar, the other celebrity contestant who will no longer appear on the show was booted due to low scores and a distinct lack of fan support. Both the contestants performed the samba on Monday, with DeLay earning 15 of a possible 30 points. Mazar and her partner, Maksim Chmerkovkiy, earned 17 points.

Said DeLay, "I want to dance no matter what." He reconsidered, however, after both doctors and the show’s producers urged him to quit. Mazar was sad to go, but gracious about her time on the show. Len Goodman, the head judge of the show, noted of her last performance, "It was neat and precise. But for me, it just didn’t ignite." Mazar, for her part, noted that she "loved every moment" that she spent on the show and the stage. She told the press, "I definitely know a few more steps, and I’ve had a great time."