Dancing with the Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy reveals that he probably won’t return to the show next season.
Val and his celebrity partner, beauty influencer Olivia Jade, were eliminated on Monday’s Janet Jackson themed episode after garnering the lowest number of votes. The double elimination night also saw country singer Jimmie Allen and his partner, Emma Slater depart the competition as well.
“I’ve always been very clear about coming back on the show. I love the show. I love being on it. I am so grateful for the opportunity, is this my last season?” he told Entertainment Tonight’s Lauren Zima. “Probably. Probably. I have no regrets about my tenure on the show. I have no regrets about the season. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to end it with.”
When asked if there was something that could keep him on the show, he replied, “Life is dynamic.”
“There’s no burned bridges, there’s nothing but gratitude, again, with the production, with the show,” he explained. “I hope I’ve served the show and this show has definitely changed my life, so it’s mutually love and we’ll see what happens in the future.”
Val first appeared on season 2 in 2006. But he didn’t compete with a partner until the show’s 13th season in 2011. He finally won the show with celebrity partner Rumer Willis on Season 15 in 2015. He second mirror ball trophy came on season 23 with Laurie Hernandez in 2016.
The dancer will continue to be involved with his and brother Maks Chmerkovskiy’s dance company, Dance With Me.
Val is “bummed” about DWTS elimination
As far as leaving Dancing with the Stars ahead of the semifinals, Val told Entertainment Tonight, “It was good. We were facing some tough competition but we gave it our all.”
“It’s been the furthest I’ve gone in, I think, four years, which is so exciting,” he continued. “But again, I’m bummed, sad because I don’t get to spend every day with this young lady. I mean, she’s extraordinary. She’s wonderful. She’s a perfect teammate, perfect student, so I had a blast teaching her how to dance and I had a blast dancing this season.”
