Week 2 of “Dancing with the Stars” delivered plenty of drama, but what really set the internet ablaze happened off the dance floor.
A backstage video of “DWTS” contestant Brooks Nader and her professional partner, Gleb Savchenko, left fans in shock as the two were spotted sharing an intimate moment.
Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko in an intimate moment, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: TikTok/ashleysdiary7
In a clip that quickly made its way online, the pair was caught being openly affectionate, even sharing a kiss. Internet users took to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), expressing everything from confusion to disbelief.
But it wasn’t just the kiss itself that got people talking — the real buzz centers around what this means for their future on the show and whether their chemistry is more than just professional.
Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko sharing an intimate moment, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: TikTok/ashleysdiary7
One TikTok user wrote, “I fear their showmance is gonna ruin their chances of winning,” while another bluntly stated, “He’s distracted and she’s unserious.” Some were simply left speechless, with reactions ranging from “OMG” to “WHAT IS GOING ON” and “I’m shook.”
Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko sharing an intimate moment, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: TikTok/ashleysdiary7
An Instagram user was quick to point out, “Their chemistry is obvious,” while another asked, “I thought he was married with a kid lol.” One user summed up the curiosity, “Well it will be interesting to see his wife’s reaction to this.”
Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko sharing a moment backstage, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: TikTok/ashleysdiary7
Over on X, reactions were no less dramatic. One user posted, “Like not shocked but omg,” while others were left questioning Gleb’s relationship status. “Wait, what happened to Gleb’s baby mom?? This show is messy,” one wrote, while another asked, “Is Gleb married?”
The truth is that Savchenko and his ex-wife, Elena Samodanova, officially divorced in 2021. The couple had publicly announced their split nearly a year earlier in November 2020, ending their 14-year marriage. According to court documents, their divorce was finalized on October 22, 2021.
Elena Samodanova, years before her divorce from Gleb Savchenko, dated December 13, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Savchenko and Samodanova share joint legal and physical custody of their two daughters, Olivia and Zlata. Their breakup wasn’t without controversy.
In the months following their separation, Samodanova accused Savchenko of “ongoing infidelity” and said her trust in him had been “irrevocably broken.”
While Gleb Savchenko has always maintained his silence on these accusations, his relationship status has continued to stir speculation — and this latest display of affection with Nader only fuels the fire.
Gleb Savchenko and Brooks Nader, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: YouTube/hollywoodreporter
As the video continues to stir conversation, the focus shifts to how this unexpected romance might impact their “Dancing with the Stars” journey. While some see their undeniable chemistry as a potential advantage on the dance floor, others are more skeptical, worried that their relationship could become a distraction.
Gleb Savchenko and Brooks Nader, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: YouTube/hollywoodreporter
Historically, “DWTS” has seen its fair share of romances and controversies, many of which have affected contestants’ performances or even their standing with fans. Whether this “showmance” will add to the drama and intrigue of the season or cause issues for the pair is up for debate.
Gleb Savchenko and Brooks Nader, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: YouTube/hollywoodreporter
The pressure of competition is intense, and personal relationships have the potential to blur the lines between performance and reality. At the same time, “DWTS” thrives on moments like these — they keep viewers engaged and invested in the personal stories unfolding behind the scenes.