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Dancing With the Stars professional dancer Daniella Karagach had her reasons for not immediately responding to Dylan Efron‘s gesture for a hug—she had pressing matters backstage.
Karagach, 32, addressed the situation in the comments on a fan’s TikTok video posted on Tuesday, November 18. The clip depicted Efron, 33, extending his arms for an embrace after they secured a spot in the season 34 finale, only for Karagach to walk past him.
As fans speculated about whether she purposely overlooked Efron, Karagach responded, “Not you catching me on a mission to pick my wedgie.” She added in a subsequent comment that she owed Efron a hug to make up for the oversight.
Throughout this season of DWTS, the duo has developed a strong camaraderie. During the recent semi-finals, they delivered a tango that scored 27 out of 30 points, followed by a cha-cha that earned them 28 out of 30.
It’s not uncommon for Dancing With the Stars celebrity participants and their dance partners to forge lasting friendships. A prime example is Simone Biles, who, four years after competing in season 24 of the show in 2017, enlisted the help of her former dance partner to craft a gymnastics routine for the Tokyo Olympics. During an episode of her Simone vs Herself series on Facebook Watch, this collaboration was highlighted.
The Traitors alum also received a public show of support from his brother Zac Efron, who was seen cheering him on in the audience. This marked the first time Zac, 38, made an appearance in the ballroom since the season began.
“It means everything. I grew up watching him do stuff like this,” Dylan told Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday. “Looking over, my family’s there, my girlfriend. Just seeing all of them together, that’s my support.”
Dylan has been candid about Zac for always being there for him, telling Us Weekly in September, “My brother is supportive. He’s like, ‘The best part is going to be those live shows.’ He was saying, like, it’s such a good feeling.”
The following month, he addressed Zac’s noticeable absence from the ballroom. “Hey, he’s doing his thing,” Dylan told Extra, emphasizing that Zac was “supporting me every day” off camera.
Zac Efron has been open about his bond with his family over the years. Zac, who rose to fame after playing Troy Bolton in Disney Channel’s High School Musical franchise, is the eldest of three. Even at the height of his career, Zac opted to live with his brother, Dylan Efron. Thank You! You have […]
Dylan and Karagach have one last shot to win the mirrorball trophy when DWTS‘ finale airs on November 25. The three-hour episode will have each finalist performing three different dances before one pair is crowned the winner of season 34.
“I have a really good friend helping me,” Karagach told Access Hollywood on Tuesday about what’s in store for the final episode. “I’ve never, personally, done this style before for a freestyle and I just feel like Dylan is the perfect person for it.”
Dancing With the Stars premieres on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
Prove your DWTS fandom with Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv! Compete against other fans and Us editors in the Bracketology DWTS fantasy league this season to predict which pairs will make it to the finale for season 34. Get access to exclusive content, stats and a chance to win prizes. Join the league for free today!