Britt Stewart Isn’t Going Anywhere

When Britt Stewart and her partner Taylor Hanson were eliminated just three weeks into the competition on Dancing With the Stars season 35, fans weren’t just shocked—they were angry. In her seven-season run as a pro, Britt has reached the finals, and for the past three seasons, she hasn’t even made it past week three. One tabloid even claimed that—according to an “insider”—Britt was ready to quit.

The 37-year-old pro is, in many ways, a unicorn. In addition to being the first Black woman to be cast as a pro (and only one of three Black pros ever cast), Britt did not grow up training at Center Stage Performing Arts in Utah or dominating the competitive ballroom and Latin circuits. She made her season 22 debut on DWTS as a member of the troupe without any formal training, and over the past decade, she’s worked tirelessly to prove her worth.

So when I ask about those headlines claiming that she’s “talking about quitting,” Britt just smiles and tells me, “I know I haven’t accomplished all that I could.” It’s not explicit reassurance that the rumors are false, but it’s enough to put me at ease. During our conversation, the beloved DWTS pro opened up about everything from the pressure of being the “only one,” the myth of a “ringer,” and the reason why her showmance with actor Daniel Durant has gone the distance. I’ve said it before, but Taylor works so hard.

His work ethic is not like anything I’ve seen before. He really dives into whatever project he’s working on, and so he did that with Dancing With the Stars. And I felt like right when we got eliminated is when he was starting to allow himself to enjoy it.

I just wish that the audience would have been able to see him really relax into the process a little bit more because I truly believe it would have been a beautiful journey for him. It is hard when you are a person who wears your heart on your sleeve. I pride myself on my authenticity, and so you just saw all parts of me in that moment.

I was sad, and I was disappointed. But, you know, the show must go on. I allowed myself to process all of my feelings, and I am still showing up every week, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity that I have.