"Dancing's" Maks Back Pedals After Dissing Show That Made Him Famous

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

06 Dec 2007 09:37 AM

He needed some fancy footwork to get out of this one...

"Dancing with the Stars" pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy took his foot off the dance floor and planted it firmly into his mouth when he spoke about leaving the mega-popular televised ballroom competition.

A few weeks ago Mel B.'s pro partner hinted that he wanted to move on from the show at the end of this season. Now, the Russian with attitude says his remarks were made in haste.

"I am not quitting the show," Chmerkovskiy told PEOPLE magazine Wednesday.

He added that his comments were made "at a time when I was very stressed out. Sure, there's lucrative offers. There are things that I really want to do with my life other than this show-that's a given," he explained. "After coming down from two seasons back to back, ten weeks each season--it takes its toll."

Chmerkovskiy says now that he's had a week off since the season five finale in which he and his spicy celeb partner Mel B. came in second he regrets speaking so flippantly about his future on "Dancing with the Stars."

"This show is amazing and it's rewarding. After last season I thought there's no way I could top off the experience with Laila (Ali) and then I get Mel B. (Spice Girl) as a partner this season," Chmerkovskiy told the magazine. "I want people-especially my fans-to know that I appreciate their support. I am not turning my back on the show. I don't want people to feel betrayed. I love this show."

The show made Chmerkovskiy a household name (or at least it taught people how to properly pronounce his name) and shot him into the realm of B-list celebrities... what's not to love?

I doubt fans have anything to worry about. "Dancing" producers know what a lovable egomaniac Chmerkovskiy is, so I'm sure he'll be spared the boot.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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