INQUISITR.COM / Entertainment

Karina Smirnoff Leaving ‘DWTS’, Not Returning For Season 20

By Jonathan Franks
Published on: 11:19 PST, Jan 26, 2015

Professional dancer Karina Smirnoff is reportedly not returning to Dancing with the Stars.

Celeb Dirty Laundry reported on Monday that the 37-year-old DWTS dancer will not be returning to the pro line-up for the upcoming 20th season.

It may not make very much sense to the average DWTS fan or critic — especially since the hit show is going to be celebrating a major anniversary during the upcoming season. As a result, many fans might argue that the network should have gone above and beyond to keep its biggest stars and most recognizable names — especially when it comes to the pro dancers.

Derek Hough and Maksim Chmerkovskiy have already confirmed that they will not be returning to Dancing with the Stars.

If the report about Karina Smirnoff leaving the show is true, that means that DWTS will be losing another one of their most popular dancers.

Celeb Dirty Laundry claims that the main issue must have something to do with the contract renewals of the dancers — especially for the dancers that have been with the show since the very first season.

With the reported 14-hour rehearsal days, there is not very much time for the professional dancers on the DWTS cast to do much else. It is apparently clear that high-profile dancers like Derek Hough and Karina Smirnoff might want to have some time to focus on their post-DWTS careers — including opportunities such as film and music gigs.

Outside of Dancing with the Stars, Karina Smirnoff definitely has a full plate — both personally and professionally.

Us Weekly reported earlier this month that Karina and her on-again, off-again boyfriend are now engaged to be married.

In an April, 2013, interview with Hudson Mod, Smirnoff admitted that a big wedding was no longer a required necessity for her.

“I still believe in love. I still believe in the fairy tale in spite of everything. The whole wedding scenario isn’t necessarily a must for me anymore – though I would love a wedding – but having someone special in my life is all I require. And kids.”

On the professional side of her life, Karina Smirnoff is also preparing for the Feb. 10 release of her first book, We’re Just Not That Into You: Dating Disasters from the Trenches.

Between planning her wedding and preparing for her first book release, Karina Smirnoff might not have any time for the DWTS stage.

What do you think? Has Karina Smirnoff decided to leave Dancing with the Stars behind?

[Image Credit: Ace Showbiz]

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