Danielle Fishel revealed she is managing an ankle injury sustained during Dancing With the Stars rehearsals while urging fans to vote for her name instead of her iconic character Topanga, showing resilience and determination to continue performing at a high level despite physical setbacks and the pressure of live competition.

Danielle Fishel, best known for her role as Topanga Lawrence on the iconic ’90s sitcom Boy Meets World, offered a candid update on her condition after sustaining an injury while training for Dancing With the Stars.

The news came Tuesday night during the broadcast of “One Hit Wonders” week on ABC, which also streams on Hulu and Disney+.

Fishel, accompanied by her professional dance partner Pasha Pashkov, spoke exclusively with ET’s Deidre Behar backstage, revealing the challenges of balancing rigorous rehearsals with the need to protect her body from further harm.

“I actually tweaked my ankle during rehearsals last week,” Fishel explained, cradling the injured joint.

“It’s nothing life-threatening, but it’s a little scary when you’re in the middle of learning lifts and spins.

Pasha’s been incredible at modifying the routines so I can stay safe while still performing at my best.

” Pashkov nodded, adding, “We’re focusing on technique and precision, making sure Danielle isn’t putting herself at unnecessary risk while keeping the choreography tight and exciting for the audience.”

Despite the injury, Fishel took time to engage with her loyal fan base, addressing a quirky voting issue that has emerged this season.

Fans who text in votes for her often use the name of her beloved character Topanga instead of Danielle, which has caused some confusion in the voting tally.

“I love that people still remember Topanga,” Fishel laughed, “but please, if you’re voting, make sure to text Danielle! I want to make sure ABC counts all the votes for me and not just my TGIF alter-ego.

” The lighthearted moment underscored Fishel’s ongoing commitment to her fans while highlighting the sometimes tricky intersection of celebrity personas and interactive TV competitions.

Fishel’s appearance on the show has drawn renewed attention not only because of her star power from Boy Meets World, but also due to the physical demands of DWTS, which often test celebrities’ endurance and resilience.

This season’s “One Hit Wonders” theme required Fishel to tackle high-energy numbers, including a retro-inspired cha-cha to a ‘90s chart-topper.

“It’s so surreal,” she admitted.

“I was dancing to songs I grew up with, and now I’m performing them live in front of judges and millions of viewers.

The adrenaline helps me forget about the pain for a moment.”

In addition to the ankle injury, Fishel disclosed that her training regimen is carefully monitored.

“I’ve been doing physical therapy almost daily, stretching, icing, and making sure my nutrition supports recovery,” she said.

Pashkov chimed in again, noting, “It’s about smart practice.

You can’t push through every discomfort in this competition, or you risk setting yourself back weeks.”

Judges and audience members alike have praised Fishel for her poise and performance quality despite her setback.

The judges commended her “resilience and adaptability” on Tuesday’s show, citing her clean lines and expressive movements even while taking precautions to avoid aggravating the injury.

Fellow contestants have reportedly been supportive, with several noting backstage how impressed they are with her professionalism and dedication.

Fishel’s message to fans extended beyond just voting etiquette: she emphasized the importance of support and understanding when celebrities face physical challenges.

“This isn’t just about winning,” she said.

“It’s about enjoying the process, connecting with the audience, and proving to myself that I can keep going even when it’s tough.

” Her vulnerability resonated with viewers, many of whom took to social media to express admiration for her honesty and determination.

With the season still unfolding, Fishel and Pashkov are strategizing for the weeks ahead, planning routines that balance showmanship with safety.

“We’ve got some surprises coming,” Fishel teased.

“I can’t reveal everything yet, but I promise it’s going to be fun, dramatic, and definitely worth watching.”

As Danielle Fishel continues her DWTS journey, fans are encouraged to show their support both on the dance floor and through voting—making sure that every text counts toward Danielle herself, not just the nostalgic memory of Topanga Lawrence.

The combination of injury management, performance excellence, and fan engagement ensures that Fishel’s season on Dancing With the Stars is as compelling behind the scenes as it is on stage.

Her journey reminds audiences of the resilience, determination, and connection between celebrities and fans that make live competition shows so riveting.