Dancing With the Stars Contestant Talks Body Image Issues as Show Reaches Season 18 Finals

Last night began the season finale of Dancing With the Stars. Combined with the judges’ scores and  viewers’ votes, the show will conclude tonight with when the Season 18 winner will be revealed.

Last night, the four remaining couples danced two routines, one of which was a freestyle choreographed by the stars and their professional partners. 

Between the four couples, there was an argentine tango, quickstep, hip hop, and contemporary dance which left the judges baffled.

As part of the night, personal video packages were aired which revealed a personal side of the contestants as they discussed various challenges and obstacles they overcame in their lives.

One of the finalists, Christian conservative actress and author, Candace Cameron Bure – widely known for her role as DJ tanner on Full House – spoke about growing up under the spotlight and wrestling with body image issues during her teen years, including excessive dieting, anorexia and bulimia.

She credits Dancing With the Stars for helping her self-confidence.

“Dancing with the Stars has changed my life,” she stated. “I’ve never seen my body look like this.”

Along with professional partner Mark Ballas, who suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the week, the couple danced a quickstep and disco-themed freestyle, earning good reviews from the judges.

In the end, one couple was sent home, leaving Candace and Mark remaining along with two other couples – Amy Purdy and Derek Hough, and Meryl Davis and Maks Chmerkovsky.

Stay tuned tonight to see who wins the coveted mirror ball trophy!