The Real Reason Artem Chigvintsev Was Missing on 'Dancing With the Stars'
Updated Oct. 10 2023, 1:22 p.m. ET
The Gist:
- Artem Chigvintsev joined the Dancing With the Stars cast in September 2014.
- His first dance partner for Season 19 was Lea Thompson.
- Artem competed on DWTS from 2014 to 2018, and returned again in 2020.
When Artem Chigvintsev said his official goodbye to DWTS in 2019, fans were beside themselves. Thankfully, he returned to the popular show in 2020 and has been competing for yet another Mirror Ball trophy ever since. But, during the second week of Season 32, fans were left confused for a second time in Artem's career when they witnessed his dance partner, Charity Lawson, doing the Cha-Cha with Ezra Sosa.
So, what happened to Artem? Here's the update you've been waiting for.
Why was Artem absent from 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 32?
Artem was forced to sit out during the second week of Season 32 of DWTS after he tested positive for COVID-19. The pro dancer provided an update via Instagram while also shouting out his partner, Charity Lawson, and encouraging viewers to vote for her. Although Artem was greatly missed by fans, he'll likely return to the dance floor in no time!
Why did Artem leave 'Dancing With the Stars' in 2018?
Prior to his 2018 departure from DWTS, fans speculated about Artem's future with he show. But it was only when ABC announced the cast of Season 28 that the dancer confirmed he wouldn't be returning.
"I just want to say how sad it makes me feel not to be part of Season 28 of DWTS," Artem wrote in a statement posted to Twitter. "It's been 10 years since I have joined this absolutely, one of a kind, incredible show! It has given me recognition as a dancer, choreographer, and a teacher. I have had so many beautiful memories with all of my celebrity partners!"
Artem has always had nothing but love for his 'DWTS' family.
Artem's 2019 goodbye to the show couldn't have been more gracious. In his heartfelt statement, he thanked "all the people behind the camera," his fellow dancers, and the show's loyal fans.
"To all the fans, I want to thank you SO much for supporting me all these years!" Artem wrote. "I simply couldn't have done it without you! Without your love! Without your connection! And most importantly without your support!"
While we were sad to see Artem go, we were thrilled when he finally returned to the competition.
While away from the show, Artem focused on new adventures with his now-wife Nikki Bella.
On Aug. 18, 2019, Artem's now-wife (and former DWTS partner!) Nikki Bella shared a heartfelt Instagram post about the day being a "new beginning" for both of them.
"As I start a new amazing journey with @totalbellas and my life, my @theartemc is starting the same," she wrote. "And I am so excited for him to be on this journey with me."
Nikki and Artem made their relationship Instagram official in March 2019 and later tied the knot in August 2022. The pair welcomed their first child together, a son, in 2020.
