Dancing With The Stars has seen a lot of professional dancers come and go over the years. The ABC celebrity dance competition celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year. But some of the pros have been on the show for multiple seasons and are now fan favorites. One beloved DWTS pro hinted that Season 34 might be their last. Keep reading to find out why.

DWTS Pros Allegedly Struggled With Lackluster Celebrities This Season

Fourteen celebrities were cast for Season 34 of DWTS. The lineup was heavy with social media influencers and reality stars, including two from Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reality show.

But one celebrity reportedly had morale behind the scenes at an all-time low. Actor Corey Feldman allegedly didn’t put much effort into learning the routines at the rehearsal studio in Los Angeles, California. His lack of work ethic reportedly left the pros feeling “demoralized.”
‘DWTS’ feature/Credit: YouTube
Not surprisingly, Corey Feldman went home during the season’s first double elimination.

Fan Favorite Pro Hints Done After Season 34

The pros this season are a mix of vets and newbies. One new face, Jan Ravnik, was a backup dancer on Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. But Season 34 could be the last viewers see of one longtime pro.

Val Chmerkovskiy is a fan-favorite who has been with DWTS for decades. He joined the show in 2006 in a smaller role but was partnered with model Elisabetta Canalis for Season 13. They were eliminated second.

This year, Val is with social media personality Alix Earle. They have a real shot at the Mirrorball Trophy. It would be Val’s fourth win. He previously won Season 20 with Rumer Willis, Season 23 with Laurie Hernandez, and Season 32 with Xochitl Gomez.

Alix and Val have consistently been near the top of the leaderboard so far this season, but it may be his last time as a pro.
Val Chmerkovskiy from Good Morning America, YouTube
He hinted at his retirement during a podcast interview with Season 34 contestant Danielle Fishel. Val noted that this is his 20th season with the show.

“I’m not delusional about the fact that my tenure on the show will eventually come to an end before the show comes to an end,” he said.

And he’s okay with that.

“I want it that way,” he added. “I think my life is better with the show around whether I’m on it or not. I’m a huge champion of this project.”

Val’s not the first DWTS pro hinting at retirement. His sister-in-law, Peta Murgatroyd, recently started a new side project. But retirement doesn’t necessarily mean forever. Mark Ballas retired from the ABC reality show in 2023 but returned for Season 34.

If this season is Val’s last, he’ll make the most of it. Don’t miss the Disney-themed DWTS dances on Tuesday, October 7.