Gleb Savchenko will always save a spot on the dance floor for his friend.
The Dancing With the Stars pro shared a message of support to former costar Artem Chigvintsev—who did not return to season 33 of the reality competition series after competing for 12 seasons—amid his ongoing divorce with estranged wife Nikki Garcia.
"He's part of the family," Gleb told E! News at the premiere of Dancing With the Stars season 33 on Sept. 17. "He's such a great dancer that people don't realize. He's the quality. It's not about quantity, it's about the quality."
Highlighting that Artem knows "how the show works" and "how to create a beautiful routine," the 41-year-old continued, "He's just my brother and I send him love and positivity."
Of course, Gleb—who is partnered with model Brooks Nader this season—can relay that message to Artem himself. After all, the dancer shared that they have been in contact since Nikki filed for divorce from Artem earlier this month following Artem's Aug. 29 arrest on a domestic violence charge.
As Gleb put it, "I talk to him all the time." (For more from Gleb and the rest of the Dancing With the Stars cast, tune in to E! News tomorrow, Sept. 18, at 11 p.m.)
And while Gleb will miss watching Artem work his magic on the Dancing With the Stars stage, he's looking forward to this season with his new celebrity partner.
"I'm super excited," he said of returning to the dance floor with Brooks. "It's always nice to be back. I've been doing this for so long, for the last 11 years."
In fact, the choreographer sees the show's major prize in the pair's future.
"I've never won the Mirrorball," Gleb continued, "but this is the time. This is the year."
He added, "We're super competitive. Both of us."
—Reporting by Nikki Novak
Dancing With the Stars airs every Tuesday on ABC. Read on to catch up on all the stars who joined season 33 of show...
Anna Delvey
The inspriation behind Inventing Anna traded her ankle bracelet for dancing shoes alongside partner Ezra Sosa. However, the fake heiress was eliminated during the season's Sept. 24 episode, with her saying that she learned "nothing" in her now-infamous, one-word farewell speech.
Ilona Maher
The Olympic rugby player was ready to ruck up the dance floor with pro Alan Bersten, finishing as the runner-up.
Chandler Kinney
The Disney Channel star tried to dance her way to the top with partner Brandon Armstrong and ultimately placed third.
Brooks Nader
The model and her partner Gleb Savchenko were ready to strut along the ballroom, but took their final bow on Oct. 15.
Reginald VelJohnson
All that mattered for the Family Matters alum and partner Emma Slater was taking home the Mirrorball Trophy. However, their journey was cut short during the second week of competition on Oct. 8.
Eric Roberts
The Dark Knight star was partnered with Britt Stewart. They were eliminated in the second week alongside Reginald and Emma.
Joey Graziadei
The Bachelor alum has found his rose between thorns in partner Jenna Johnson, winning season 33.
Tori Spelling
The alum of Beverly Hills, 90210 was oh so ready to dance alongside Pasha Pashkov. Unfortunately, the two last only one week and was cut from competition in a double elimination alongside Anna and Ezra.
Danny Amendola
The NFL pro and partner Witney Carson sure scored a touchdown on the dance floor, placing fifth in the finale.
Dwight Howard
The NBA star hoped to stand head and shoulders above the competition with partner Daniella Karagach, but was eliminated from the competition on Nov. 12.
Stephen Nedoroscik
The Olympian had his sights set on another medal—or should we say, Mirrorball Trophy—with partner Rylee Arnold, placing fourth in the Nov. 26 finale.
Phaedra Parks
The Traitors alum was sure to weed out the competition with partner Val Chmerkovskiy, but ended up getting cut from the lineup Oct. 22.
Jenn Tran
Though Bachelorette star and partner Sasha Farber were full bloom in the ballroom, they were eliminated from the competition on Oct. 29.