USA Today reports that long-time DANCING WITH THE STARS pro Maks Chmerkovskiy will most likely return for the upcoming 17th season of the ABC reality dance compeition. The dancer was absent from the most recent season in which country singer Kellie Pickler and her partner Derek Hough picked up the coveted mirror ball trophy.
When asked about the chances that Maks would return to the series at yesterday's Television Critics Association press tour, ABC President of Entertainment Paul Lee commented,"Maks is part of the family. He may well be back." Added the exec on the often controversial dance pro, "We love having him a part of it,"Chmerkovskiy is currently performing along with his DWTS co-star Karina Smirnoff in Broadway's Forever Tango, which opened July 14 at the Walter Kerr Theatre. In a recent TV appearance promoting the show, the dancer commented, "For me, each tango is like a life's story of that couple, of their relationship, of the way they are." He adds, "It's the first show that I really look forward to doing every single day!" He will wrap up his run on Broadway August 11th.
The new season of Dancing will premiere on Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. and is scheduled to air only on Monday nights. No results shows will air on Tuesdays.
Also confirmed, DWTS champ Derek Hough told Access Hollywood that he's definitely going to be part of Season 17. "We've got one show a week now, but I think it'll make a better show, more jam packed. And so I'm excited about it."Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski
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