Illness forces Billy Bell out of ‘Dance’

Hip-hop dancer Brandon Dumlao to fill vacant slot in show’s Top 20

Image: Billy Bell from "So You Think You Can Dance"

Joe Viles / FOX

Billy Bell, 19-year-old contemporary dancer from West Palm Beach, Fla., was forced to drop out of "So You Think You Can Dance."

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Access Hollywood

updated 9:15 p.m. ET Oct. 29, 2009

LOS ANGELES - Illness has forced Billy Bell out of the competition on “So You Think You Can Dance,” Access Hollywood has learned.

No details were given about Bell’s illness.

“Fox has no further comment,” a rep for the network told Access Hollywood.

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Brandon Dumlao, 21, a hip-hop dancer from Concord, Calif., will fill the Top 20 slot left vacant due to Bell’s illness.

Dumlao will join the show this week during the first two-hour performance show, which airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. on FOX.

“We are disappointed that Billy cannot continue dancing in the competition on the advice of his doctor and wish him a speedy recovery,” “SYTYCD” executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe said in a statement. “However, we are fortunate that Brandon Dumlao has agreed to return.”

On Monday afternoon, the Bell family reportedly posted a message on the dancer's Facebook page thanking fans for their support of the young man.

“Billy’s family would like to thank all of his fans for the support they have shown him this season. Billy was released from the hospital today and is feeling better. Please respect the family’s privacy,” the statement read. “As of right now, Billy hopes to try out again for season 7… Thank you so much for sharing your love and support with our family! The Bell Family.”

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