Many Dancing With the Stars pros have exited the show over the years, only to return, much to the delight of faithful viewers. Now, one fan favorite has shared that they will come back, but under one condition. So, what is it, and could this ever happen in the DWTS world? Keep reading for more details.
Fan Favorite Pro To Return Under One Condition
Pros have come and gone since DWTS began in 2005. Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, and Cheryl Burke have exited the series, but have been deeply missed by viewers. Sharna has since gotten engaged and welcomed a child with Brian Austin Green. Lindsay is pregnant with her third child, but her sister, Rylee, has made a splash as a pro. Cheryl has popped in as a judge, but viewers find her unrecognizable. Tony Dovalani is no longer on the show, while Artem Chigvintsev was going through an extremely dramatic personal time.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy exited Dancing With the Stars in 2017. He had been on for seventeen seasons and took home one Mirrorball Trophy. However, he had plans to focus his energy elsewhere, but fans loved him and his dancing. His brother, Val, did stay on as a pro, yet Maks was still sorely missed. Now, he has opened up to the Daily Express about returning to DWTS and what it would take. The Ukrainian-born father of three shared that he would want to be a judge, and only a judge:
“They should call and say that they want me to be a judge. I think the addition of my character to that table would bring perspectives that aren’t present, basically, at all. I could definitely bring more depth to the project.”
His reasons were quite valid, as he noted that he wanted to be a new voice for the judging panel. Moreover, Maks felt that he would offer something incredibly different. The current judges are Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. Len Goodman was an OG judge, but he sadly passed away in 2023.
Carry On Dancing?
Maksim Chmerkovskiy may want to be a judge on DWTS, but until that time may or may not come, what about returning to the dance floor? Would he be a pro again, or is he done with that life? It appears that this ship has sailed for Maks:
“I’ve been giving it a lot of thought…I don’t think that I would accept the position of a pro at this point.”
However, former pros do pop in as guest judges, something Maks has done in the past. Therefore, if he keeps on excelling in that position, he can show the Dancing With the Stars team why he is meant for the job.
Can you see Maksim as a DWTS judge, or is he better off as a pro dancer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.
