(NewsNation) — “Dancing with the Stars’ alum Maksim “Maks” Chmerkovskiy said it isn’t likely he will return to the show that made him a household name.
Speaking to Access Hollywood with his wife Peta Murgatroyd, he said, “I think that boat has sailed. My comeback is in the distant past.”
The former “DWTS” champion doesn’t doubt his dancing ability, but said he’s looking ahead more creatively.
“Can I do it? I’m looking forward to so much more dancing out of my body,” he said. “I’m in maintenance every day for the last 25 years. I don’t see where that’s going to go, and I’m looking forward to creative processes.”
Chmerkovskiy said, “But I think ‘Dancing With the Stars’ a moving entity, and it just needs to move. And we all just moved a little bit (in) different directions.”
Maks Chmerkovskiy: ‘DWTS’ is a new era
While he won’t completely rule out returning to the long-running dance competition, he said the show has changed.
“I just don’t think there would be space for me, especially in the format that it is today. I can’t fathom doing so much social media, and without it, how do you win?” Chmerkovskiy said.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd attend Dancers Against Cancer’s 2025 Gala Of The Stars at The Beverly Hilton on October 21, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images) 
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 04: Maksim Chmerkovskiy visits SiriusXM Studios on June 04, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
He also said that being a father of three also plays a factor in his hesitance.
“With the kids, it’s so hard. It’s very tough,” he said.
Chmerkovskiy and Murgatroyd share three kids: Shai, 8; Rio, 2 and Milan, 16 months.
While Chmerkovskiy may not return, the door is more open for Murgatroyd, she told Access Hollywood.
“If they asked me, I think I would,” she said. “After having kids, you definitely doubt yourself about, ‘Can you do it?’ I know I can dance. It’s a matter of putting the time aside and knowing that you’re gonna be away from your kids for three months, and you have to be OK with that.”