The Real Housewives of Atlanta star was hospitalised on 23 September (15) after she suffered a transient ischemic attack, also known as a mini-stroke, following a flight back to Georgia from Los Angeles, where the dance series is filmed.

She was released from hospital on Friday (25Sep15) to recover at home and doctors ruled she was not well enough to fly back to L.A. for the next episode of the competition.

Zolciak appeared on the show via video link, and said, "I feel really great. I don't know if you know, but I rehearsed on Saturday... I learned that whole dance... but then my doctor told me yesterday that it's too soon to fly."

Host Tom Bergeron announced that a contestant must withdraw if they cannot dance, according to the show's rules, and the reality star was axed from the competition despite pleas from Zolciak and her dance partner Tony Dovolani.