TV Checkup: Dancing with the Stars: What happened to Marie Osmond?

Oh, now I have to confess my secret: I'm a die-hard Dancing with the Stars fan and have been since the very first season it was on. My daughter and I do not miss an episode, standing at the ready to cast our votes on our cell phones like texting fools.

But last night's DWTS began with a scary shock when Marie Osmond finished a nice, if slow samba and while listening to the judge's comments, passed out cold on the floor with a very hard thump! The excruciatingly long commercial break that followed was agonizing, because we knew that DWTS is recorded live and the commercial length was necessary to get her some treatment and off the stage.

It was a real relief to hear that she was awake and even had a sense of humor, but her explanation seemed weird to me. She said, "You don't plan those things. Once in a while that happens to me when I get winded, and I stop breathing! I'm so sorry."

Here's the thing: If you watch the video (down below), she's breathing hard. She hasn't forgotten to breathe, she's winded and practically gasping for air. So what's the deal?

According to Dr. Michael Smith, "passing out can occur from either holding your breath or from hyperventilating, but neither one is very common." He goes on to say:

Passing out from breath-holding spells is more commonly seen in children. It could certainly occur if an adult holds their breath, particularly during such intense activity as dancing. A condition known as hyperventilation syndrome, which usually leads to someone feeling very lightheaded but not necessarily passing out, is usually seen in someone suffering from anxiety. I would be concerned that something else caused Ms. Osmond to pass out. However, since she has apparently had several similar spells in the past and I would assume has already had it evaluated by a doctor, it may be something to which she's just particularly susceptible.

Unfortunately, Marie was the first to dance this week, and her fainting spell clearly rattled the other competitors, even after she was examined and they were reassured that she would be fine. The judges' scores weren't her best either, so overall it was a difficult night for Marie Osmond. I wish her all good luck tonight with the results show and hope she's feeling better today!

And now that I've confessed my obsession, it's your turn. Who is your favorite couple? Who do you think will win? Post a comment and spill the beans!