Maks Chmerkovskiy skipped the recent "Dancing With The Stars" episodes and left his partner, Vanessa Lachey, in the hands of Alan Bersten who stepped in for his absence. Erin Andrews explained that a "personal issue" has forced the pro to miss this week's broadcast.
Aside from that, no further details were provided regarding Maks Chmerkovskiy's sudden nonappearance on the dance program. His absence has sparked rumors that the pro was having "chemistry issues" with his celebrity pair, who also refused to make a comment on his no-show.
Maks gets entangled in conflict rumors with Vanessa
A source told PEOPLE that the "Dancing with the Stars" duo have been "bickering" since the new season kicked off a few weeks ago. This claim was countered by a source who insisted that all is well between Maks Chmerkovskiy and Vanessa Lachey despite rumors.
"They are so friendly backstage and are great to work with," they said. "You can tell they are genuinely enjoying themselves and are here to have a good time.”
Vanessa Lachey ranked third place after her performance of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" with Alan Bersten. The duo earned 23 out of 30 points for the "Guilty Pleasures Night" episode on Monday.
Maks Chmerkovskiy, on the other hand, thanked Alan Bersten for taking over during his absence.
In a series of tweets, the dance pro also apologized for sitting out during the recent "Dancing with the Stars" episodes. He also promised to be back in the competition with Vanessa Lachey.
As you are all aware, I had to leave the show last week to take care of some personal issues. I take full responsibility for my absence....
— Maksim Chmerkovskiy (@MaksimC) October 4, 2017
.... and want to apologize to my partner Vanessa. We are both looking forward to dancing for our fans next week!
— Maksim Chmerkovskiy (@MaksimC) October 4, 2017
Maks set to return on 'DWTS' stage with Vanessa
This statement was supported by confirmation from a source that Maks Chmerkovskiy and Vanessa Lachey will remain as dance partners despite rumors about their alleged feud.
The source told Entertainment Tonight that the producers of "Dancing with the Stars" would not allow switching of partners just because contestants do not get along.
"When you train with someone for so many hours so intensely, tensions can run high - for better or worse," the source explained. "In this case, the intensity led to bickering."
They added that Maks Chmerkovskiy has realized that "he messed up" and reassured that the two-time "Dancing with the Stars" runner-up is now ready to return to the dance floor with Vanessa Lachey.
the source also clarified that the pro's absence has nothing to do with his relationship with his celebrity counterpart.
An affiliate of the ABC program also confirmed the comeback of Maks Chmerkovskiy to the ballroom after his short break.
