"Dancing with the Stars" has lost -- well, a dancer. On Friday, it was reported that Maksim Chmerkovskiy has left ABC's celebrity reality competition show.
The report wasn't issued by "DWTS," though. It came from sources close to the show's production. Reportly, Chmerkovskiy spoke with the producers of "Dancing with the Stars" a few days ago and informed them that he wouldn't be returning for the upcoming season.
However, it's said that the 33-year-old Chmerkovskiy wants to stay in the entertainment world, and is currently pursuing movie and TV projects. Meanwhile, it was reported that Maksim's brother Val (Valentin) will return to the show.
A Ukrainian Latin Ballroom dance champion, choreographer, and instructor, Chmerkovskiy first appeared on "DWTS" in season two. Chmerkovskiy and his celebrity partners have made it to the final round four times, with two runner-up and two third place finishes.
His top finishes were Laila Ali (season four, third), Melanie Brown (season five, second), Erin Andrews (season 10, third), and Kirstie Alley (season 12, second).
Meanwhile, his brother Valentin first appeared appeared on the season 10 results show (on April 6, 2010), when he and Maksim performed country western themed routine along with Edyta Śliwińska and Snejana Petrova. He also appeared on the season 11 results show (on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010), performing a music and dance duel against Mark Ballas. In that appearance, while performing to the Britney Spears song "Toxic," Val played the violin and danced with Lacey Schwimmer.
Finally, in season 13, Val broke through and made the regular season. Partnered with model/actress Elisabetta Canalis. They were eliminated second, finishing in 11th place. In season 14, Val was partnered with comedienne/talk show host Sherri Shepherd, but again, they were eliminated early (the third couple to be eliminated), finishing in 10th place.
In season 15, Val was partnered with season one winner, Kelly Monaco. They finished in third place on the season finale.
