A Dancing with the Stars pro who got cut from the 2019 cast was shocked by the show’s choice. In fact, it felt like a “punch in the stomach.” That is what long-time Dancing with the Stars pro, Artem Chigvintsev, had to say about learning he would not be back for Season 28.
To be clear, he will not be a part of the next Dancing with the Stars installment…at all. Neither will pro, Sharna Burgess, who won Season 27 with partner Bobby Bones. This means fans cannot expect to see Artem Chigvintsev or Burgess perform in any pro numbers either.
Artem Chigvintsev spoke out about his shock over the decision on Nikki and Brie Bella's The Bellas podcast, saying (via ET):
I dedicated 10 years of my life to that company and being let go a few days before the announcement, that's, like, a punch in the stomach, really. I can't let [anyone] decide my fate from now on.
Artem Chigvintsev also called the decision a “massive shock.” He revealed that he had been talking to producers ahead of the announcement. Chigvintsev said that based on those calls, he was “99 percent” sure he would be on Dancing with the Stars 2019. Unfortunately, that turned out not be the case.
The dance competition reality series has a tendency to switch out its pros from season-to-season. To my memory, not seeing them at all is a bit of a twist. Dancing with the Stars will not even feature an interlude with the cut pros. Speaking out about that aspect of the news, Artem Chigvintsev said:
There's always a chance, as a pro, you might be doing some performances on the show and there's still an involvement in some sort. But getting this call, [hearing], 'There's gonna be no involvement with the show from now on,' it's like going through a breakup of 10 years.
It is, undoubtedly, a shock to supporters of the fan-favorite. Artem Chigvintsev has been a staple since making his Dancing with the Stars debut in 2014. Before that, he starred in the UK counterpart series, Strictly Come Dancing. He began as a pro on that series in 2010, hence, Chigvintsev’s comment regarding a 10-year breakup.
Artem Chigvintsev’s Dancing with the Stars journey started in Season 19 with celebrity partner, Lea Thompson. They finished in sixth place. Chigvintsev’s latest season (27) saw him paired with Paralympic skier, Danelle Umstead. They were eliminated during the second week of the competition.
Is there a chance that Artem Chigvintsev will return to the ballroom and vie for the mirror ball at some point? Personally speaking, it would be shocking if this turns out to be "goodbye for good" instead of “see you later.”
Dancing with the Stars has already unveiled its celebrity lineup for Season 28. The series is coming back after a hiatus that saw it skip its spring installment. Changes are said to be coming to the next season after the backlash that the previous season received.
Hopefully, if Dancing with the Stars makes it to Season 30, like Carrie Ann Inaba, hopes it does, Artem Chigvintsev will be back by then. Tune in to see if there are more shocking eliminations when the series returns.
Dancing with the Stars Season 28 premieres Monday, September 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The dance competition is among many other fall premieres.
