Leah Remini Talks Scientology Split on ‘DWTS’: ‘The Church Is Looking for Me to Fail’

Leah Remini admitted to having a hard time adjusting to Dancing With the Stars' demanding schedule during Monday's live telecast -- and the series' rehearsal package included the "King of Queens" actress speaking candidly with partner Tony Dovolani about the pressures of her public split with the Church of Scientology.

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"The church is looking for me to fail," she said, "So they can say, 'Look what happens when you leave.'"

It's the first time that Remini has addressed her separation from the church on the series. She remained mum during the Sept. 16 opener -- but producers held little back in showcasing Monday's brief soundbite. A newspaper headline about her Scientology exit also flashed across the screen during clip.

Remini has been selective about the venues where she's chosen to discuss the split, though it did come up during her appearance on the recent season premiere of Ellen.

As for her dancing, Remini and Dovolani's Samba saw their scores improve from the first week. They earned a score of 24, giving them a two-week total of 45 and likely keeping them safe from the first elimination.

THR Staff