Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Gleb Savchenko has responded to Maura Higgins' comments about not wanting him as a dance partner, saying he won't lose sleep over the opinions of someone he's never met.
Higgins, who is set to appear on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), told E! News she would be 'happy with anyone but Gleb' as her partner. She explained that her loyalty to friend Brooks Nader, who previously danced with Savchenko, influenced her stance. Higgins added, 'I don't really like the way he speaks about women. I don't really want to spend all my time with someone like that. I'm like, no thank you.'
Savchenko's Response
In a statement to Metro, Savchenko said: 'Until I was asked to comment on this story, I'd genuinely never heard of this girl, Maura, so I'm certainly not going to lose any sleep over the opinions of someone I've never met.' He continued, 'It's odd to publicly attack a complete stranger, but if that's how she wants to make headlines before the show starts, that's her choice. I'll stay focused and leave the unnecessary drama to everyone else.'
Background of the Feud
Brooks Nader, an American model and TV personality, won the 2019 Swim Search for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. She competed in the 33rd season of DWTS with Savchenko, finishing ninth after elimination on Dedication Night. The pair began dating after being partnered, but their relationship ended after seven months, with Savchenko telling Us Weekly he was 'surprised to learn' that Nader had ended their partnership.
In April 2026, Savchenko claimed on the Unwell Winter Games YouTube series that he had 'probably the worst sex of [his] life' with Nader, alleging she choked him, chipped his tooth, and pushed him against a wall. Nader accused him of cheating, which he has denied.
What's Next
It remains unclear whether Savchenko will return for the 35th season of DWTS. He appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing as a professional in 2015, partnered with Anita Rani. Higgins has stated she is 'single, celibate, and bloody happy' and wants no showmance from her time on the show. Dancing with the Stars premieres on ABC and Disney+ on September 15, 2026.
