"Dancing with the Stars" has yet to kick off Season 21, and it's already lost its first participant due to injury.
Peta Murgatroyd has been forced out of the upcoming season due to an injury, the veteran pro dancer announced on her Twitter page.
"The past three days have been really tough to say the least..I learned that my ankle injury is at a stage that needs surgery immediately. I'm so sorry but I have to step out of Season 21 of DWTS," she wrote in a lengthy post on Monday night, calling it "one of the toughest decisions I've ever made."
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Peta – who was going to be paired with singer Andy Grammer (who was revealed as a contestant earlier this week) – said the surgery will put her out of commission for "6-8 weeks" and she remains optimistic she could still hit the ballroom before the season ends.
"I hope to be back before the season ends, doing group numbers and of course cheering on Andy and my friends in audience. It killed me to let someone else take care of Andy, who is such a genuine loving guy. But I know he will be in good hands," Peta's statement continued. "I will miss the show so much but just know that I will come better back than ever, and with a brand new ankle :)".
WATCH: Peta & Tommy Chong Reflect On 'DWTS' Season 19
Peta first joined the cast of "DWTS" as a troupe member in Season 12 before becoming a regular pro for Season 13. Her past partners have included Gilles Marini, James Maslow, Tommy Chong, Michael Sam and Season 14 champ Donald Driver.
Celebs participating in Season 21 who have been announced include Paula Deen, Hayes Grier, Nick Carter and Bindi Iriwn.
The full celebrity cast of "DWTS" Season 21 will be announced September 2 on "Good Morning America."
-- Eric Anderson
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