Gleb Savchenko does not want condolences over his absence from the new Dancing With the Stars lineup.
Hours after ABC revealed the Season 35 celebrities and professional partners on September 2, Savchenko posted a shirtless Instagram video addressing messages from disappointed viewers. “Guys, you can stop telling me you’re sorry,” he said with a laugh. “I’m good.”
His caption made the same point. Savchenko wrote that he had “nothing but love and gratitude” for his years in the ballroom, said he was excited about his next chapter and finished with, “No sad messages. We’re moving forward,” according to PEOPLE.
Season 35 will be the first main season without Savchenko since 2016. He debuted as a pro in Season 16, returned in Season 23 and competed in every season through Season 34.
Savchenko Laughed Off the Messages From Worried Fans
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Standing outside in sunglasses, Savchenko smiled while reassuring followers in his Instagram video that he was doing fine. He then briefly lowered the camera toward his abs and laughed.
“Guys, I promise… I’m good,” he wrote. “Nothing but love and gratitude for all the years in that ballroom. Excited for this next chapter and wishing everyone an amazing season.”
Entertainment Weekly notes that Savchenko made his U.S. pro debut with Lisa Vanderpump in Season 16. His later partners included Sasha Pieterse, Nikki Glaser, Lauren Alaina, Chrishell Stause, Melanie C, Shangela, Mira Sorvino, Brooks Nader and Hilaria Baldwin.
His run with Shangela in Season 31 also made them the show’s second same sex partnership.
His Season 34 Run With Hilaria Baldwin Ended in Week 4
Baldwin was Savchenko’s most recent celebrity partner. Their Season 34 run ended on Disney Night on October 7 after their quickstep earned 23 points from the judges.
The pair were eliminated in Week 4 despite finishing above some couples who remained in the competition. ABC’s season recap confirms that Baldwin and Savchenko were the couple sent home that week.
The elimination gave no public indication that Savchenko would be absent from the next main season. He remained connected to the franchise during the months that followed.
Savchenko Partnered the Future ‘Next Pro’ Winner in August
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Savchenko returned to the ballroom for the August 24 semifinal of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro. ABC paired the remaining contestants with established professionals, and Savchenko worked with Adele Zaikman.
Savchenko and Zaikman performed a samba to Sérgio Mendes’ “Magalenha.” He praised her ballroom knowledge and choreography while saying he wanted the performance to build toward another major moment.
Zaikman advanced and ultimately won the inaugural season, earning a guaranteed professional position on the main series. Savchenko also shared material from their collaboration on Instagram.
The Season 35 lineup pairs Zaikman with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives personality Conner Leavitt.
ABC Has Not Announced Why Savchenko Is Missing
Season 35 includes returning professionals and several changes to the ballroom roster. Sharna Burgess is back after several seasons away, while Zaikman and former troupe member Hailey Bills are competing as pros for the first time.
Bills is partnered with Sarah Jane Nader, while Maura Higgins will dance with Mark Ballas. ABC has not publicly connected either casting decision to Savchenko’s absence.
Savchenko also offered no explanation in his September 2 response. His message focused instead on gratitude for his years with the show and whatever comes next.
Dancing With the Stars Season 35 begins with a two night premiere September 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming on Hulu the following day.