Gleb Savchenko has broken his silence after being excluded from the professional dancer roster for Season 35 of "Dancing With the Stars." Mere hours after the new cast was announced, Savchenko posted a shirtless video to Instagram, reassuring fans that he is "good" despite the change. "Guys, you can stop telling me you’re sorry. I’m good," he said in the clip, panning the camera down his abs. He added in the caption, "Guys, I promise… I’m good 😂❤️."
This marks the first time in a decade that the Russian dancer, 42, has not competed for the Mirrorball Trophy. Savchenko first joined the show in 2013 and became a regular fixture starting in Season 23 in 2016, most recently dancing with Hilaria Baldwin in Season 34. "Nothing but love and gratitude for all the years in that ballroom. Excited for this next chapter — and wishing everyone an amazing season. No sad messages. We’re moving forward," Savchenko wrote in his post, hinting at an uncertain future with the ABC competition series.
Savchenko's departure from the pro lineup coincides with the casting of Sarah Jane Nader, the younger sister of his former Season 33 celebrity partner, Brooks Nader. Sarah Jane, 23, will be paired with Hailey Bills, who has been promoted to professional status from the show's troupe. This pairing will be the second all-female couple in the show's history.
Savchenko and Brooks Nader's brief relationship began in September 2024 when they were paired together on "DWTS." Their romance was confirmed later that month after they were seen kissing backstage. Despite their public displays of affection, the couple stated their focus was on winning the competition. However, following their elimination in October 2024, Brooks posted a cryptic TikTok, and the couple officially ended their relationship in April 2025. Savchenko later made controversial remarks about their intimacy in an April 2026 interview.
Savchenko has also faced other public challenges, including accusations of being "rude" from Season 23 partner Jana Kramer and an ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife, Elena Samodanova, who he alleges "abducted" their daughters. Savchenko is currently dating OnlyFans model Kaitlin Trujillo.