Many “Dancing With the Stars” fans cheered for Russian dancer Artem Chigvintsev week after week for years. His popularity only grew after his season 29 victory and viewers expected him to stick around for several seasons to come.
After a major controversy in his personal life, “Dancing With the Stars” didn’t invite Artem back for another season and he largely stepped out of the spotlight. Recently, he appeared on a podcast to discuss his past on the show and the impact it had on his life.
Artem Chigvintsev Hasn’t Watched DWTS Since Leaving
Artem Chigvintsev won his first Mirrorball trophy during “Dancing With the Stars” season 29 with Bachelor Nation’s Kaitlyn Bristowe. He went on to compete in seasons 30-32, ending his final season with a fourth-place finish with another “Bachelorette” star, Charity Lawson.
But in 2024, the Russian dancer was arrested on domestic violence charges. Shortly after, his then-wife, WWE superstar Nikki Bella, filed for divorce. Amid all the controversy, Artem never received another invitation to return to “Dancing With the Stars.”
In a new interview, Artem Chigvintsev sat down with his former co-stars, Peta Murgatroyd and Sharna Burgess, to discuss what leaving the long-running competition show truly felt like.
“You do have this giant void in your life after the show,” the DWTS season 29 champion shared on “The Penthouse with Peta” podcast. “But it’s the aftermath of other people telling you like, ‘oh, I miss you on the show,’ or ‘I’m like big fan.’ It’s a constant…And that never really goes away.”
Sharna Burgess faced a similar situation after she wasn’t asked to return after her final run in season 30. Peta Murgatroyd stepped away to focus on her family life and may eventually return, but she hasn’t competed since season 32.
However, Artem admitted he’s still struggling with saying goodbye to “Dancing With the Stars.” Peta empathized, adding it feels like being cut off “cold turkey.”
“I’m not going to lie, I didn’t watch one episode since I exited the show. I haven’t seen one,” the 43-year-old continued. He added that he wishes the people behind “DWTS” would have just had an honest conversation with him.
The Russian Dancer Worries He Took His DWTS Career for Granted
As the interview continued, Sharna Burgess asked how Artem was finding his identity without the show. He admitted that the journey has been a struggle and that he never joined the show for a paycheck. The Russian dancer wanted to create routines he could truly be proud of.
“I mean look, every day it’s very different. You know what I think I found very challenging? I found how for granted you live a certain life while you do what you love doing,” Artem shared.
A full cast list for “Dancing With the Stars” season 35 will come out late this summer. The season premiere is expected to return to ABC this September.
Nikki wasn’t right for him. I felt it was all about her. I like her sister better. She’s more genuine. Nikki was all about the spotlight. Let’s be real. He’s better off without her. I hope he goes on and find the right person this time with his son. I miss Artem in Dancing.