Maksim Chmerkovskiy Reveals His One Regret in DWTS Romance: “A Mistake”
Let’s face it: the glitz and glam of *Dancing With the Stars* might evoke images of whirlwind romances, but Maksim Chmerkovskiy isn’t buying it anymore. During a recent episode of the *Sibling Revelry* podcast hosted by brother Val and Oliver Hudson, the DWTS veteran spilled some tea on the not-so-sparkly side of celebrity partnerships. Spoiler alert: he declares his only romantic link with a celebrity dance partner a “mistake.”
Chmerkovskiy, who has graced the stage for 17 seasons, candidly discussed how his job is often misconstrued as a hotbed for romance. “For most of us, it’s a job that we go into,” he said, emphasizing that the pressures of competition, rehearsal schedules, and the incessant flood of public scrutiny often overshadow any romantic sparks. “There’s a lot of idle time, stress, and nerves,” he added, painting a more accurate picture of the DWTS experience.
While he did have a brief fling with an unnamed celebrity partner early in his career, he quickly realized it wasn’t a sustainable choice. Chmerkovskiy explained that while he certainly danced with attractive partners, he just didn’t have time to think about romance—a sentiment that resonates with plenty of people in high-stress jobs. This mirrors the experiences of other DWTS alumni; many have intertwined professional and personal lives with both positive and negative results. Maks’s own history includes a short engagement to fellow pro Karina Smirnoff and a fruitful marriage to Peta Murgatroyd, with whom he shares three kids.
Interestingly, he pointed out how the dance floor often blurs lines between performance and genuine interaction, referencing an amusing moment when Kirstie Alley thought he was being flirtatious but he was merely maneuvering her during a routine. “You’ve got to use two hands sometimes,” he quipped—talk about a classic case of mixed signals!
Despite the occasional romances, many pros have gone through their fair share of relationship ups and downs. From long-lasting unions like Val and Jenna Johnson to quick flings and breakups, it’s clear that the ballroom can be as tumultuous as the dance itself. So while you might assume those sweeping moves are part of a steamy love affair, just remember: it’s all about that cha-cha, not the chemistry.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, E! Online, Us Weekly
