Jenna Dewan and her professional dance partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, are back in the rehearsal studio for Dancing With the Stars Horror Movie Night, marking their first public reunion since his controversial suspension.
Dewan shared a new photo with Chmerkovskiy on social media, confirming that the professional dancer is preparing to return to the competition after missing Dedication Night. The official Dancing With the Stars Instagram account also posted the picture, teasing their upcoming performance.
“The apocalypse is here. Jenna and Val are prepping an Argentine Tango inspired by 28 Days Later for #HorrorMovieNight,” the caption read.
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Chmerkovskiy’s return comes after a controversy involving his wife, fellow professional dancer Jenna Johnson, and judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Following Inaba’s criticism of Johnson and celebrity partner Harry Shum Jr.’s samba, Chmerkovskiy responded in a now-deleted TikTok post that referenced Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap.
The post sparked backlash and led to a one-week suspension from the show. During his absence, Dewan performed with substitute professional dancer Alan Bersten for Dedication Night.
Chmerkovskiy later apologized through his Instagram Stories, addressing the show, Inaba and his fans. Following Tuesday night’s episode, Page Six reported that a source confirmed his suspension had been lifted and that he would return to the competition.
Dewan’s latest photo appears to confirm that development, but fans are divided over whether Chmerkovskiy should be back.
‘DWTS’ Fans React to Val Chmerkovskiy’s Return
Some viewers welcomed the professional dancer’s comeback, arguing that his apology should allow him to move forward.
“Anyone who says Val shouldn’t be there, have you ever made an error at your place of work and would prefer to have clarity over the matter before being let go? Like come on, he apologized and clarified,” one fan commented.
Other supporters shared their excitement, with one writing, “My mirrorball winners.”
“Team Val. Can’t wait for this,” another fan added, while a third expressed relief, writing, “Thank goodness @valentin is coming back.”
However, not everyone was happy to see Chmerkovskiy return to the ballroom.
“Really wish y’all would have suspended Val for the entire season,” one critic wrote.
Others praised Bersten’s performance as Dewan’s temporary partner, with one viewer commenting, “Alan was great last week.”
Another fan argued that Dewan deserved a different partner, writing, “Jenna deserves a better partner.”
The contrasting reactions show that Chmerkovskiy’s return remains a point of debate among viewers, even as he prepares to reunite with Dewan for the next round of performances.
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy Prepare for Horror Movie Night
With Halloween approaching, Dancing With the Stars is bringing a spooky theme to the ballroom for Horror Movie Night.
Dewan and Chmerkovskiy are set to perform an Argentine tango inspired by the 2002 zombie film 28 Days Later. Their routine will be set to Uninvited by Damned Anthem and Kendra Dantes, promising a darker atmosphere for the upcoming performance.
The episode airs Tuesday, October 27, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Viewers can also stream it on Hulu the following day.
As Chmerkovskiy returns to the competition, his reunion with Dewan will put the focus back on their dancing, while the reaction to his suspension continues to divide the DWTS audience.
