Dancing With the Stars 2014 Lineup: Rumors Claim Maksim Chmerkovskiy, NeNe Leakes and More Will Compete in Season 18
Get ready to do a double-take, Dancing With the Stars fans. According to rumors, fan favorite Maksim Chmerkovskiy will be returning next season.
Sources "connected to the show" say that Chmerkovskiy will be a contestant on season 18 of the ABC dancing competition show.
"Maks will return this season as a pro," a "production source" told E! News. "Everyone's looking forward to having him back."
Chmerkovskiy made his Dancing With the Stars debut as a professional dancer on season 2. His partner was Tia Carrere, and they placed sixth. The dancer's last run in the competition was in season 15, when he was partnered with Kirstie Alley. The team was the seventh to be eliminated from the competition. In season 16, Chmerkovskiy returned for a performance with Val Chmerkovskiy, his brother. Last season, Chmerkovskiy made an appearance as a judge.
"I've been a Pro dancer on the show for about seven years now and am eager to explore other opportunities that have been made possible because of Dancing with the Stars," Chmerkovskiy said when he announced his leaving the show. "I'm going to take this time to dive into producing and acting, while fulfilling my sponsorship obligations. A big thank you to all of my fans for your never-ending support. I also want to thank the entire cast and production of Dancing with the Stars."
Chmerkovskiy has yet to comment on the rumor. ABC will officially announce the next Dancing With the Stars line-up during an episode of Good Morning America on March 4.
Derek Hough, who danced with season 17 winner Amber Riley last year, is also rumored to be returning for the 2014 season.
Two celebrities have also been named as season 18 competitors. NeNe Leakes, known for the reality show Real Housewives of Atlanta, is reportedly stepping onto the ballroom floor this year. In addition, Candace Cameron Bure, who gained fame as DJ Tanner in Full House, is a rumored participant.
Season 18 of Dancing With the Stars premieres March 17.