Maksim Chmerkovskiy is leaving Dancing With The Stars… as a dancer. According to Us Weekly , Maks has confirmed that he will not be dancing on the show anymore. It is unknown is Maks will return to the show in any capacity, but rumor has it he wants to take over for Len Goodman on the judge’s panel. Len has not yet said that he was leaving, however, so, for now, Maks is just moving on.
The ballroom dance pro sat down for an interview on Tuesday’s episode of The View and that’s when he made the official announcement. He said that after returning to the show after his previous break, things just didn’t seem right.
“I’m done dancing. I feel like it’s time. When I came back to the show, it was not the same—I was different, probably. When I came back, I saw this amazing talent…I looked at it and thought they can do much more and better. I was taking up a huge spot.”
Maksim Chmerkovskiy went out with a bang, however, winning his first Mirror Ball Trophy with partner, Meryl Davis. As previously reported by The Inquisitr , rumors that Maks and Meryl were keeping their hot-hot-hot chemistry alive off of the dance floor have simmered down quite a bit. As far as the public knows, the two have not been together since the beginning of June. While they have become good friends, it seems more than obvious at this point that they are not a couple.
According to NJ.com , Maks said that he “ loved the experience ” that Dancing With The Stars afforded him. However, he has been on countless seasons, and it’s a lot of work. He is clearly ready for a change, and while it isn’t what his fans want to hear, it is something that they must respect. Last season was very emotional for him — his partnership with Meryl Davis (romantic or not) really changed him. Now it’s time for him to have a new adventure.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy has danced with some amazing stars through his years on the show. They have included: Laila Ali, Mel B., Misty May-Treanor, Denise Richards, Erin Andrews, Brandy, Kirstie Alley, Hope Solo, and, of course, Meryl Davis (among others). Maks has been a great instructor and a great friend to most of these women, and he has made so many life-lasting relationships. He could easily find himself back on the show as a guest, and surely ABC would love to have him. Will you miss Maks?
Dancing With The Stars returns to ABC on Sept. 15.
[Photo courtesy of ABC/Craig Sjodin]
