Former Strictly Come Dancing star-turned-Dancing With the Stars professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev has called being axed from the US dance show a "massive shock".
The new cast of Dancing With the Stars was confirmed on Good Morning America earlier this month, and Artem revealed that he got the call that he wouldn't be taking part just a week earlier during a talk on his girlfriend Nikki Bella's podcast this week.
"I don't know where to begin to be honest with you," Artem said on The Bellas. "It was a massive shock. Having those calls are never, never, never fun."
After adding that it felt "weird" to not be involved in the show after dedicated nearly 10 years of his life to dance shows, Artem explained that he never thought that he wouldn't be involved in the series at all this year.
"It's not even a job, it's a lifestyle if you've been doing it for a very, very long time," he continued.
"There was never really a thought in my mind that I [wasn't] going to be doing it [...] But getting this call and [hearing], 'There's going to be no involvement in the show from now on' — it's like going through a breakup after 10 years."
He continued: "There's always this little possibility that you might not get brought back as a pro, but there was never the possibility that I'm not going to be involved with the show."
The dancer also acknowledged the shock axe on his Instagram page, saying that he just wanted to share how "sad" he felt not to be a part of the new season.
"It's been 10 years since I have joined this absolutely, one of a kind, incredible show!" he wrote. "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! They all have shaped me into the person that I am today.
"You all have no idea how much I will miss you all this season! I'm already missing you all so much! Even though this is so hard on me, I will be DWTS #1 fan, cheering you all on every Monday night! Good luck to everyone on Seasons 28!"
Artem joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and was partnered with the likes of Kara Tointon, Holly Valance, Fern Britton and Natalie Gumede during his time on the show.
He later joined Dancing With the Stars in 2014 as a member of the dance troupe before being promoted to professional dancer in the show's 19th season, with his celebrity partners including The OC star Mischa Barton, award-winning singer Patti LaBelle and also, of course, WWE wrestler Nikki Bella.
