Val Chmerkovskiy is flattered, amused, and entirely powerless. Summer House star Ciara Miller has been loudly campaigning for the ballroom pro as her Dancing With the Stars partner since her season 35 casting was announced. The internet heard her, Chmerkovskiy heard her, and now the truth is out.

Val Chmerkovskiy confirmed he is absolutely on board with the idea of dancing with Ciara Miller, but cannot make it happen. Ciara Miller publicly named him as her dream partner at the Met Gala Live From E! Stream on May 4, sending emails and putting her word in behind the scenes. Chmerkovskiy addressed this directly at the 33rd Annual Race to Erase MS Gala on June 5.

"I felt bad. I wanted to say thank you because what a huge compliment it is to be shouted out that way," Chmerkovskiy told E! News.

"So, thank you, but I am not the one in charge of casting," he added, as the ball, quite literally, is in production's court.

Wife Jenna Johnson, standing right beside him, had her own take. Johnson expressed interest in dancing with either Miller or fellow incoming contestant Maura Higgins herself. "I wanna dance with one of them, honestly," Johnson said, making it a full household affair.

While Ciara Miller campaigns and Val Chmerkovskiy debates, the real casting decisions rest with someone else entirely.

How pairing works on Dancing With the Stars

The pros get absolutely no say in who they are matched with on Dancing With the Stars. Former showrunner Rob Wade revealed pairings are based on height, build, personality, and compatibility. Pros are often kept in the dark until they meet their celebrity partner live on the day itself. Jenna Johnson confirmed this, noting production wants genuine reactions and keeps everything tightly under wraps until the last moment.

Casting decisions are made entirely by the production team, with no input from the pros, regardless of public requests. Ciara Miller's campaign, while charming, ultimately lands on the desks of producers alone. Whether Val Chmerkovskiy ends up as her partner remains entirely out of his very capable hands.

What are your thoughts on Ciara Miller's campaign for Val Chmerkovskiy as her Dancing With the Stars partner? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Shraddha Priyadarshi

Edited by

Adiba Nizami