Ahead of the September 19 Dancing With The Stars season 31 premiere, professional dancer Jenna Johnson explains why The Bachelorette star Gabby Windey is the perfect dancing partner for her husband and fellow professional dancer, Val Chmerkovskiy. The couple met while on DWTS and got married in April 2019. In July 2022, Jenna and Val announced they're expecting their first child together, who will be born in January 2023. Due to her pregnancy, Jenna will not be dancing on DWTS season 31 alongside her husband.
On September 8, the DWTS season 31 cast was announced. Val was paired with Gabby, who was a professional cheerleader for the Denver Broncos from 2016-2021. Val is a two-time DWTS champion. He took home the Mirrorball Trophy during DWTS season 20 with his partner Rumer Willis and in season 23 with his partner Laurie Hernandez. Although Val had hinted that last season would be his final one, he decided to return for DWTS season 31.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Jenna explained why she thinks Gabby is the perfect dancing partner for Val. She said when Val was paired with Gabby for DWTS season 31, she had to explain who she was because "obviously I’m a massive Bachelor fan. I think that they are going to be perfect together on the show." Jenna was gushing about how much she loves Gabby's personality and work ethic. The DWTS dancer also shared she thinks the banter between Val and Gabby "is gonna be hysterical ‘cause Val's so eloquent and suave and she's just like real." Gabby is known for her funny sense of humor, while Val is more serious and reserved, so they should be able to complement each other well.
Jenna said she knows from their DWTS season 31, which has announced the celebrities, rehearsal progress that Gabby and Val "are ready and she’s in it to win it." Although Jenna has not attended any of their rehearsals, she has seen some rehearsal videos sent to her by Val. She said, "The excitement that Val has when he comes home after rehearsal has just been so fun to see and so inspiring. Like he has somebody that’s capable of going all the way, you know? So I cannot wait." Jenna added Val has never been paired with anybody from Bachelor Nation before Gabby and noted that Bachelor fans are dedicated. The pro-dancer shared that she told him, "Ooh, get ready. They are committed. They love their people on the show." Jenna gushed about how much Val loves DWTS and still has so much to give. She predicted, "I think this is gonna be his year."
Gabby and Val do seem to be a match made in DWTS heaven. Their different personalities will be a great balance during the long rehearsals, as Gabby lightens the mood and Val keeps them on track. Gabby loves to dance, so she'll likely be a fast learner and want to compete at a high level. Gabby might join previous Bachelor Nation alum like Melissa Rycroft, Hannah Brown, and Kaitlyn Bristowe as a champion now that she is paired with the legendary Val. Gabby and Val are sure to bring amazing excitement and energy to the Dancing With The Stars season 31 dance floor.
Source: Us Weekly