Keo Motsepeis staying positive amid the news that he won’t be returning for the upcoming 30th season ofDancing with the Stars.The professional dancer, 31, recently toldUsthat he’s “honored” to have been on the show for the previous nine seasons, though he’s admittedly disappointed about not going back to the ballroom.“While it’s disappointing to not be back for season 30, I’ve been honored to be on the last nine seasons of the show and look forward to returning in the future,” he said. “There’s a great group this season and I wish all the dancers and the show the best of luck!““I also have some exciting opportunities in the works, so don’t worry, you’ll be seeing me again soon enough,” he added.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Paul Archuleta/FilmMagicThe returning pro dancers for the latest season, premiering Sept. 20 on ABC, were announced on Thursday, with the group of women including Jenna Johnson, Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, Witney Carson, Britt Stewart, Cheryl Burke, Daniella Karagach and Emma Slater, perEntertainment Tonight.Alan Bersten, Artem Chigvintsev, Brandon Armstrong, Gleb Savchenko, Pasha Pashkov, Sasha Farber and Valentin Chmerkovskiy round out the group of men.In addition to Motsepe, Peta Murgatroyd is also absent from this year’s lineup.“It’s always so hard because we truly are a family and we love each other so much,” Arnold, 27, toldETof their absences. “I talked to Peta quite a bit, sending all the love to her, and then I actually just texted Keo this morning just saying that I love him, I hope I get to see him soon and I hope he’s doing well.“Ballroom expertsLen Goodman,Carrie Ann Inaba,Bruno TonioliandDerek Houghwill be returning to the long-running show’s judges panel for the upcoming season andTyra Banksis set to reprise her role as host.In terms of the celebrity cast members, Nickelodeon star JoJo Siwa, 18, is confirmed to compete, and will become thefirst contestant to have a same-sex prodance partner. Olympic gymnastSuni Leewill also appear on the show.The rest of the star-studded contestants will be unveiled onGood Morning Americaon Sept. 8.Season 30 ofDancing with the Starspremieres Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Keo Motsepeis staying positive amid the news that he won’t be returning for the upcoming 30th season ofDancing with the Stars.
The professional dancer, 31, recently toldUsthat he’s “honored” to have been on the show for the previous nine seasons, though he’s admittedly disappointed about not going back to the ballroom.
“While it’s disappointing to not be back for season 30, I’ve been honored to be on the last nine seasons of the show and look forward to returning in the future,” he said. “There’s a great group this season and I wish all the dancers and the show the best of luck!”
“I also have some exciting opportunities in the works, so don’t worry, you’ll be seeing me again soon enough,” he added.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
The returning pro dancers for the latest season, premiering Sept. 20 on ABC, were announced on Thursday, with the group of women including Jenna Johnson, Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, Witney Carson, Britt Stewart, Cheryl Burke, Daniella Karagach and Emma Slater, perEntertainment Tonight.
Alan Bersten, Artem Chigvintsev, Brandon Armstrong, Gleb Savchenko, Pasha Pashkov, Sasha Farber and Valentin Chmerkovskiy round out the group of men.
In addition to Motsepe, Peta Murgatroyd is also absent from this year’s lineup.
“It’s always so hard because we truly are a family and we love each other so much,” Arnold, 27, toldETof their absences. “I talked to Peta quite a bit, sending all the love to her, and then I actually just texted Keo this morning just saying that I love him, I hope I get to see him soon and I hope he’s doing well.”
Ballroom expertsLen Goodman,Carrie Ann Inaba,Bruno TonioliandDerek Houghwill be returning to the long-running show’s judges panel for the upcoming season andTyra Banksis set to reprise her role as host.
In terms of the celebrity cast members, Nickelodeon star JoJo Siwa, 18, is confirmed to compete, and will become thefirst contestant to have a same-sex prodance partner. Olympic gymnastSuni Leewill also appear on the show.
The rest of the star-studded contestants will be unveiled onGood Morning Americaon Sept. 8.
Season 30 ofDancing with the Starspremieres Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
source: people.com
