One of Dancing With the Stars’ most beloved pros is diversifying. Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who tangoed his way to second place twice, with celebrity partners Leila Ali and Mel B., is taking next season off to pursue other projects. “There are a lot of things in the works that I want to tend to,” says the 28-year-old Latin ballroom champion. “People say this show opens doors, but you’re so busy doing the show, that you’re not able to use the doors.” Speaking from the set of the second Dancing with the Stars fitness DVD, due out this fall, Chmerkovskiy, known to fans as Maks, says he’ll be back the following season, but won’t be specific about his immediate future. The sixth round of DWTS premieres on ABC on March 17. On Tuesday, Feb.19, Good Morning America will break the top secret news of which celeb will be waltzing with which dancer this season. The only thing we know for now is that Maks won’t be one of them.
Feb 16
2008
05:47 AM ET
Maks drops out of 'Dancing With the Stars' for new season
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TV Finale Highlights
Five days at a glance*
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Tuesday, May 1
- The Biggest Loser NBC, 8-9PM
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Friday, May 4
- In Plain Sight USA, 10-11PM
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Sunday, May 6
- The Amazing Race CBS, 8-10PM
- GCB NBC, 10-11PM
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Monday, May 7
- Two Broke Girls CBS, 8-9PM
- Castle ABC, 10-11PM
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Tuesday, May 8
- Last Man Standing ABC, 8-8:30PM
- The Voice NBC, 8-10PM
- New Girl FOX, 9-9:31PM
- Unforgettable CBS, 10-11PM
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Wednesday, May 9
- CSI CBS, 10-11PM
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Thursday, May 10
- The Big Bang Theory CBS, 8-8:31PM
- The Vampire Diaries The CW, 8-9PM
- The Office NBC, 9-9:30PM
- The Secret Circle The CW, 9-10PM
- Parks and Recreation NBC, 9:30-10PM
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Friday, May 11
- The Finder FOX, 8-9PM
- Undercover Boss CBS, 8-9PM
- Fringe FOX, 9-10PM
- CSI: NY CBS, 9-10PM
- Blue Bloods CBS, 10-11PM
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Sunday, May 13
- Once Upon A Time ABC, 8-9PM
- Survivor: One World CBS, 8-10PM
- Desperate Housewives ABC, 9-11PM, SERIES FINALE
- American Dad FOX, 9:30-10PM
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Monday, May 14
- Bones FOX, 8-9PM
- How I Met Your Mother CBS, 8-9PM
- Gossip Girl The CW, 8-9PM
- Two and a Half Men CBS, 9-9:30PM
- Hart of Dixie The CW, 9-10PM
- Mike & Molly CBS, 9:30-10PM
- Hawaii Five-0 CBS, 10-11PM
- Smash NBC, 10-11PM
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Tuesday, May 15
- 90210 The CW, 8-9PM
- Cougar Town ABC, 8-9PM
- NCIS CBS, 8-9PM
- NCIS: Los Angeles CBS, 9-11PM
- Fashion Star NBC, 10-11PM
- Private Practice ABC, 10-11PM
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Wednesday, May 16
- Suburgatory ABC, 8:30-9PM
- Criminal Minds CBS, 9-11PM
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Thursday, May 17
- Missing ABC, 8-9PM
- Community NBC, 8-8:30PM, 9-10PM
- 30 Rock NBC, 8:30-9PM
- Rules of Engagement CBS, 8:30-9PM
- Awake NBC, 9-11PM
- Grey's Anatomy ABC, 9-10PM
- Person of Interest CBS, 9-10PM
- The Mentalist CBS, 10-11PM
- Scandal ABC, 10-11PM
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Friday, May 18
- Nikita The CW, 8-9PM
- Shark Tank ABC, 8-9PM
- Who Do You Think You Are NBC, 8-9PM
- Grimm NBC, 9-10PM
- Supernatural The CW, 9-10PM
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Saturday, May 19
- Saturday Night Live NBC, 11:29PM-1AM
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Sunday, May 20
- America's Funniest Home Videos ABC, 7-8PM
- The Cleveland Show FOX, 7:30-8PM
- Harry's Law NBC, 8-9PM
- The Simpsons FOX, 8-8:30PM
- Bob's Burgers FOX, 8:30-9PM
- Celebrity Apprentice NBC, 9-11PM
- Family Guy FOX, 9-10PM
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Monday, May 21
- Dancing With the Stars (Performance) ABC, 8-9PM
- House FOX, 8-10PM, SERIES FINALE
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Tuesday, May 22
- American Idol (Performance) FOX, 8-9PM
- Dancing With the Stars (Results) ABC, 9-11PM
- Glee FOX, 9-10PM
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Wednesday, May 23
- The Middle ABC, 8-8:30PM
- American Idol (Results) FOX, 8-10:07PM
- Modern Family ABC, 9-9:30PM
- Don't Trust the B— ABC, 9:30-10PM
- Revenge ABC, 10-11PM
- Law & Order: SVU NBC, 10-11PM
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Tuesday, May 29
- The L.A. Complex The CW, 9-10PM
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Wednesday, May 30
- America's Next Top Model: British Invasion The CW, 9-10PM
*Times are Eastern Daylight and subject to change
Maks, my dear, sweet, chest-exposed Maks! What will I do without your come-hither looks and long extensions for a season?? ::sigh::
My mom will be very very sad. She said she was hot. Which made me laugh really hot.
Not because he isn’t hot (cause he is), but because I never thought I’d hear her say someone was hot.
I will him well but I will miss him lots. I guess my cordless phone will get a rest at voting time.
say it isnt so, he is my favorite dancer along with Edyta
Ohhh, is his huge ego hurt. While he is very good looking, his ego is disgusting.
Maks say it aint so…..it just won’t be the same without you. Good Luck on your new adventure.
Without Maks, the only pro to entertain me will be Derek. I guess I do not need to split my votes anymore.
Good move Maks – wish you the very best!
my faves are dropping like flies. first louis and now maks. i’m going to miss his chest the most.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I’ll miss you Maks!!
“Well, without the best looking man on tv, I sure hope that the star contestants can measure up. He will be sorely missed this next season.
Maks was the greatest. He and Laila were robbed. I won’t be watching next season becuase Donnie Osmond will be on, as will a bunch of real OLD people, with no careers!
Actually, the DWTS lineup will be revealed first on Monday night’s “Dance Wars”.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Actually, Maks and Mel were robbed – BIGTIME. M&M deserved to win. Not Laila. Liked her a lot, but her result was fair and correct.
Gonna miss you, Maks!