Maura Higgins' refusal to partner with Gleb Savchenko creates backstage tension on DWTS

Maura Higgins Gleb Savchenko Dancing with the Stars backstage tension Brooks Nader

Former Love Island star Maura Higgins told DWTS producers she does not want to be paired with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko for the upcoming season, citing that she "doesn't like the way he speaks about women" and emphasizing loyalty to her friend Brooks Nader, Savchenko's ex‑girlfriend.

Savchenko responded in statements to UK tabloids, saying he had never heard of Higgins before the comment, would not lose sleep over her remarks, and called the dispute "unnecessary drama". Both parties indicated they would remain professional but are likely to avoid each other backstage, leading producers to anticipate awkward dynamics on set.

The controversy has been reported by outlets including E! News, The Sun, Daily Mail, Mirror and others, and is expected to affect the atmosphere of Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, which premieres on September 15, 2026.

Entities

Brooks Nader · Dancing With the Stars · Gleb Savchenko · Maura Higgins · Season 35 · The Traitors

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] Savchenko warned that backstage will be awkward and he and Higgins will likely avoid each other. www.cosmopolitan.com · metro.co.uk · www.mirror.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] Higgins said she is loyal to friend Brooks Nader and dislikes how Savchenko speaks about women. www.cosmopolitan.com · metro.co.uk · www.mirror.co.uk
[● 3 SOURCES] Gleb Savchenko said he had never heard of Maura Higgins before being asked to comment and will not lose sleep over her opinions. www.cosmopolitan.com · metro.co.uk · www.mirror.co.uk
[● 2 SOURCES] Savchenko described his relationship with Nader as “the worst sex of my life.” metro.co.uk · www.mirror.co.uk
[○ 1 SOURCE] DWTS season 35 is scheduled to premiere on 15 September 2026. www.cosmopolitan.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Maura Higgins said she would be happy with any DWTS partner except Gleb Savchenko. www.cosmopolitan.com · metro.co.uk · www.mirror.co.uk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Maura Higgins is a former star of the reality series “The Traitors.” www.cosmopolitan.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Gleb Savchenko and Brooks Nader had a romantic relationship that ended in April 2024. metro.co.uk · www.mirror.co.uk

Sources

‘DWTS’ Is Going to Be “Really Awkward Backstage” Due to Celebs Who “Have to Avoid Each Other” — why it's trending | Archynetys [www.archynetys.com]

9 days ago

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro's Chemistry Test with Jenna Johnson Raises the Heat [fangirlish.com]

9 days ago

'DWTS' Gleb Savchenko Reacts to Maura Higgins Not Wanting to Dance With Him [www.tvinsider.com]

8 days ago

Dancing With the Stars’ Gleb Savchenko Reacts to Maura Higgins Saying She Doesn't Want Him as Her Partner [www.eonline.com]

9 days ago

Ex-Strictly dancer hits back at Maura Higgins sexism row in explosive statement [www.irishmirror.ie]

9 days ago

‘DWTS’ Is Going to Be “Really Awkward Backstage” Due to Celebs Who “Have to Avoid Each Other” [www.cosmopolitan.com]

10 days ago

Ex-Strictly star fires back at Maura Higgins swipe: 'I won't lose sleep' [metro.co.uk]

10 days ago

Gleb Savchenko hits back at Maura Higgins sexism row with explosive statement [www.mirror.co.uk]

10 days ago