The intense competition and close physical contact on "Dancing with the Stars" create an environment ripe for romantic connections between the show's celebrities and professional dancers. Throughout the show's history, many relationships have blossomed, some of which have led to marriage and others that have ended in heartbreak.
"Dancing with the Stars" has captivated audiences for over two decades with its dazzling performances and cutthroat competition. While the show's focus is primarily on the dancing, the intense nature of the experience often leads to something else: romance. The show's history is filled with numerous relationships that have sparked between celebrities and professional dancers.
One of the most notable examples is the relationship between Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev. The pair were partnered together during season 25 of "Dancing with the Stars" in 2017. By 2019, they were officially dating, and Chigvintsev proposed to Nikki in January 2020. The couple married in 2022 and share 4-year-old son, Matteo.
Dancing with the Stars: Behind the Scenes Romance and Professional Connections
However, not all "Dancing with the Stars" romances have a happy ending. Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev recently made headlines after Chigvintsev was arrested for domestic violence. This incident highlights the potential for relationships formed in such an intense and emotionally charged environment to turn sour.
Another couple that met on "Dancing with the Stars" is Cheryl Burke and Matthew Lawrence. Matthew never competed on the show, but he met Cheryl through his brother Joey Lawrence, who did compete in season 3. Cheryl and Matthew dated for a year in the late 2000s before breaking up. They rekindled their romance in 2017 and married in 2019. However, Burke filed for divorce in 2022, citing irreconcilable differences.
Dancing with the Stars: Behind the Scenes Romance and Professional Connections
While Derek Hough and Brooke Burke never dated, Brooke has admitted that she would have liked to if she had been single at the time. She and Derek competed together on season 8 of "Dancing with the Stars" in 2008. Brooke described their connection as "more intimate than making love in a bedroom."
Model Alexis Ren and "DWTS" pro Alan Bersten dated briefly in 2018. Their relationship began during the 27th season of the show, and Alexis admitted to developing feelings for Alan on the show. However, the two broke up shortly after the season ended.
Dancing with the Stars: Behind the Scenes Romance and Professional Connections
Karina Smirnoff and Mario Lopez dated for two years after competing together on the third season of "Dancing with the Stars." The couple parted ways in 2008 amid rumors of Mario's infidelity.
Kym Johnson and "Shark Tank" star Robert Herjavec met on the 20th season of "Dancing with the Stars" in 2015. They married in 2016 and welcomed twins, Hudson and Haven, in April 2018. Johnson retired from "Dancing with the Stars" after that season.
Dancing with the Stars: Behind the Scenes Romance and Professional Connections
These are just a few examples of the many relationships that have blossomed on "Dancing with the Stars." The intense competition and close physical contact create an environment where romance can easily spark. While some relationships have stood the test of time, others have ended in heartbreak. Nonetheless, the show's history is filled with these connections, adding another layer of intrigue to the already captivating competition.
