Maksim Chmerkovskiy did not perform with partner Vanessa Lachey during Week 3 of “Dancing With The Stars,” but little was offered in the way of an explanation. Last season, when Maks was injured, there was plenty of coverage of the situation. This time, however, it was mostly radio silence and the buzz is that Alan Bersten was given only a couple of hours to step in and learn the routine. Now, sources are revealing the supposed reason that Chmerkovskiy stayed off the dance floor and it sounds pretty juicy.

'DWTS' fans were left guessing with Maks gone

Alan Bersten stepped in to dance with Vanessa Lachey in Maksim Chmerkovskiy's place Monday night, and co-host Erin Andrews simply said that Maks was dealing with a personal issue. Some “DWTS” fans pointed out that he had been quiet much of the week on social media, but little else was available in terms of clues as to why he was gone.

However, People details that according to one of their sources, Chmerkovskiy skipped out on “Dancing with the Stars” and his Week 3 performance due to tensions with his partner. Reports claim that the "DWTS" pro chose not to perform because there are major chemistry issues causing friction between Maksim and Vanessa.

The insider detailed that they both have big personalities and notes that this type of situation doesn't always make for a good partnership.

Neither Lachey or Chmerkovskiy are confirming the reports

This isn't the first time that Chmerkovskiy has had a partner with a big personality or has butt heads with his partner. Some find it interesting that “Dancing with the Stars” didn't showcase some of the supposed drama on Monday's show, as the "DWTS" producers do tend to highlight tense moments within partnerships.

So far there doesn't appear to be any other confirmation that Lachey and her partner are having a hard time working together.

Will Maksim be back for Week 4? At this point, it looks as if that's the plan. Vanessa posted a thank you to Alan and her “girl posse” on Instagram, adding that she was anxious to get started on her Week 4 routine with Chmerkovskiy.

She said that they'd be getting started on it on Tuesday and noted that they have something special cooked up for their “Team Babies and Ballroom” supporters.

Do you think that Maksim Chmerkovskiy really sat out of “DWTS” Week 3 due to tensions with Vanessa Lachey? Can this “Dancing with the Stars” pair come back together and be contenders for the Season 25 mirror-ball trophy?
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