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
- Comments 87
- Add comment
MORE INSIDE TV: Follow us on Twitter
-
James Hibberd
@James_Hibberd
-
Lynette Rice
@EWLynette
Spoiler Room
What's coming up on your favorite tv shows.
- Spoiler Alert! ‘Vampire Diaries,’ ‘Teen Wolf’, ‘The Good Wife’ stars on what’s to come in Spoiler Room Video Edition
- Scoop! ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ ‘Teen Wolf,’ ‘Psych,’ ‘Big Bang Theory’: Find out what’s next in the Spoiler Room
- TV Dish! ‘Revenge,’ ‘Criminal Minds,’ ‘The Good Wife,’ ‘New Girl’: Find out what’s next in the Spoiler Room
Latest News
- 'Idol': Replay tonight's MJ Santilli chat
- 'Hunger Games' soundtrack: Cover art
- Melissa McCarthy, hubby land pilot at CBS
- Nancy Pelosi's 'Stop Colbert' ad: Watch
- President Obama has a Spotify playlist
- 'Wet Hot American Summer 2'? Not yet
- 'Game of Thrones' season 2: New photos!
- George Lucas talks 'Menace' 3-D
Most Commented
Top 5 Most Read
- Fox’s ‘House’ will end this season
- This Week’s Cover: ‘The Vampire Diaries’ stars talk about the red-hot Damon-Elena-Stefan triangle
- Watch ‘American Idol’ contestant Symone Black fall off the stage — VIDEO
- 'Vampire Diaries': Exclusive pics!
- Bill O’Reilly defends Ellen DeGeneres in One Million Moms, J.C. Penney controversy
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!