Professional dancer Gleb Savchenko has hit back at Maura Higgins, branding her remarks an attempt to start "unnecessary drama" and insisting he's "never heard of her," following reports she is refusing to be paired with him on Dancing With The Stars.
Maura's refusal and friendship with Brooks Nader
The Love Island star, 35, reportedly told show bosses she wants nothing to do with the dancer on the upcoming season, citing that she 'doesn't like the way he speaks about women.' Maura is also close friends with Gleb's ex-girlfriend Brooks Nader, who dated the dancer after they competed together on the show in 2024.
With just weeks until the series begins on September 15, an insider claimed Gleb was unimpressed by Maura's comments, suggesting filming could be "really awkward."
Gleb's response
Responding to the reports, Gleb told the Mirror that he was being attacked by a 'complete stranger.' He 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 added: "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: Gleb's comments about Brooks
Gleb, who has been on DWTS since 2013, previously made headlines when he described his relationship with Brooks as "the worst sex" he’s ever had. The pair dated during the show until October 2024, briefly split, then reunited before officially ending their fling last April.
In a candid interview, he claimed: "When I dated her, it was pretty bad. Probably the worst sex of my life. She was so f***ed up. She wanted to make out with me, and I was like, 'That's not my vibe. She choked me, pushed me against the wall, chipped my tooth…'"
Maura's reaction
While Brooks had only positive things to say about their time together, Maura was furious over Gleb's interview. Speaking to E! News after her DWTS line-up announcement, she said: "I'd be happy with anyone except Gleb." She explained: "That's only because I'm loyal and I'm friends with Brooks. 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."
She named Mark Ballas as the pro she would love to be partnered with, after their time on The Traitors together. The Mirror has contacted Maura's reps for a comment.
