When the cast of Dancing With the Stars Season 27 was announced earlier this year, many fans were left disappointed to hear that fan-favorite pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy wouldn't be returning to the long-running show. In a recent candid interview, the 38-year-old revealed that becoming a dad to his one-year-old son, Shai Chmerkovskiy, with his wife Peta Murgatroyd, has changed his perspective on life and career. Maksim made it clear that he has no intentions of rejoining Dancing With the Stars anytime soon.

Life as a Dad and Husband Takes Priority

Maksim opened up about his decision while appearing on The Real. He emphasized how much his priorities have shifted since becoming a father. "I'm a dad, I'm a husband," he shared, explaining why he's choosing to spend more quality time with his family. "When you have a child, everything changes. Your chemistry changes, your perspective shifts, and you start seeing life through a completely different lens," he added. For Maksim, the joy of watching his son grow and supporting his wife Peta has become far more important than the glitz and glamour of the dance floor.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy Dancing With the Stars — Getty Images

Maksim's Brother Steps In

Maksim joked that fans won't even notice his absence from the show because his younger brother, Val Chmerkovskiy, is just as talented and passionate about dancing. "I have a sibling who looks just like me, moves just like me, and says similar things," he said with a laugh. Despite stepping back, Maksim insists he'll always be a loyal supporter of Dancing With the Stars. "It's been such a big part of my life, and I'm always going to cheer for it," he added.

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Reflections on His DWTS Journey

Back in 2014, Maksim achieved a career highlight when he won the coveted DWTS Mirrorball Trophy with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis. Reflecting on his time on the show, he admitted that while it was an incredible experience, he doesn't miss the competitive pressure. "You're constantly politicking for votes, and it's hard not to speak your mind," he explained. "You have to be careful because you don't want your actions to cost your partner the votes they deserve."

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Poosh wanted the floor, so Papa gave him the floor 🤗🌴 #hawaii #familyvacay
A post shared by Peta Murgatroyd (@petamurgatroyd) on Jun 20, 2018 at 10:23am PDT

Beyond the Spotlight

Maksim expressed a desire to connect with fans on a deeper, more personal level. "I want people to know me for who I truly am, not just as that guy who was on the show," he said. For Maksim, it's all about authenticity and building relationships outside the confines of the television world. "There's so much more to me than just dancing, and I want to share that with everyone," he concluded.