‘Dancing with the Stars’ News Update: Mark Ballas’ One-time Replacement Alan Bersten and Paige VanZant Dating

ABC's dance reality show 'Dancing with the Stars' is known for turning non-dancers into pros and there are also a few occasions when dance partners become couples.

Something similar has happened this season as well, but the strange part of the romance is that it did not bloom between a celebrity and a regular dance partner. Cupid, rather, struck when the celebrity was paired with a replacement, who, in turn, was chosen by her regular dance partner.

According to reports, UFC fighter Paige VanZant's partner Mark Ballas suffered a back injury on the sets and needed to rest. And Alan Bersten filled in the shoes of Mark. Paige and Alen developed a good bond after working together. Though they practiced for only two hours for their Salsa performance, it was enough for the sparks to fly.

What is more, their performance fetched the duo highest scores and they ended up on the top of the leaderboard. After the performance, Paige expressed happiness that Alan had stepped in and thanked her stars for having him as a replacement partner. Alan was also elated to support Paige and called the chance a "dream come true".

The UFC fighter further revealed in an interview that she enjoys the company of Alan and they spent time together after their second week performance. This was because Mark had not recuperated from his injury and thus, the couple practiced for the subsequent week too.

However, Mark stepped in on Saturday and their pairing came to an end. As for off-screen pairing, it is still going strong and sources from the sets reveal that they have taken a liking for each other. Though they do not show it, they are certainly interested in each other. Other reports also claim that the two act like "more than friends" at the after-parties of the show.

Well, if the insiders' words turn out to be true, it has to be said that Mark Ballas played matchmaker for the two without even knowing it!