Fan Fave Maks Chmerkovskiy Returns for DANCING WITH THE STARS 23rd Season!

E! News reports exclusively that after several seasons away from DANCING WITH THE STARS in an official pro capacity, fan fave Maksim Chmerkovskiy is making his return to the ballroom for season 23!

The 36-year-old dancer will be back for the first time as a pro since season 18, while his pregnant fiancee (and fellow pro) Peta Murgatroyd sits the season out to prepare for the birth of their son. Watch Maks make the official announcement on today's GMA:

The couple, who have been dating since 2012 and engaged since December, announced theirpregnancy earlier this summer.

Chmerkovskiy was also busy this summer on tour with his brother, Val, who has already beenconfirmed as a returning pro this season, along with Gleb Savchenko, Witney Carson, Artem Chigvintsev, Sharna Burgess, Lindsay Arnold, Allison Holker and Sasha Farber.

Val teased season 23 on GOOD MORNING AMERICA earlier this week, saying, "It's going to be amazing. We're going to have an incredible cast as always, but I'm also excited for the pros. We have a lot of different pros coming back. Some pros from back, back in the day, so I'm excited."

"It's a new show," Val added. "It's constantly evolving and we have a nice mix and balance of young kids that are inspired and very motivated to bring out the essence of this generation, but also we have some more classic, conservative dancers from the past as well, so I'm excited."

Maks took first place in season 18 with his partner, Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis. That was his first win, but the third time he made it into the top three. He returned to the show last season for one week as a guest judge.

So far, no stars have been announced, but sources tell us that Jake T. Austin, Amber Rose, and Ryan Lochte will all dance this season, with Bachelorette star JoJo Fletcher also being eyed by producers. ABC does not comment on casting rumors.

The full cast, celebs and pros included, will be announced on GOOD MORNING AMERICA on Aug. 30, with the season set to kick off on Monday, Sept. 12 on ABC.

Photo credit: ABC/Kelsey McNeal/Adam Taylor

To post a comment, you must register and login.