“Bummed” Ciara Miller Speaks Out After Shocking DWTS Elimination

And while they didn’t win the Mirrorball Trophy, Brandon’s ballroom mentorship did end up helping Ciara bounce back after being burned by ex West Wilson amid Summer House‘s season 10 love triangle scandal earlier this year.

“I, obviously, hate straight men,” she quipped, “but I will say a part of that has been really healing and having a guy show up week after week. Even though it’s been a short process, to have someone be reliable and present and cheering you on, it’s hard to put into words. I feel like it was everything I needed right on time.”

Brandon even joined Ciara on the podcast and delivered a public apology to her after they were sent home during the Oct. 6 episode.

Noting it wasn’t the “ending that you would like to have on a journey that had so much progress,” the 32-year-old said, “She has made a name, created a space for herself on a reality TV show in a field that you don’t get to show off a lot of depth of character. I think, within the first week, I very quickly realized how thoughtful she is about things and things that are very important in life.”

“She deserves better out of this process,” Brandon continued, “because of her character. I think it’s cool to see and I think it’s cool to show people a different side of her.”

Keep reading to see which celebs are still competing for the season 35 Mirrorball Trophy.