Is it just a coincidence that shortly after Maksim Chmerkovskiy visited the Twin Cities and got awfully chummy with this woman that he announces he is leaving Dancing With the Stars?

Well...yes. Maks is just a sweetheart and gave me a hug when we posed for this photo.

So why is leaving "Dancing with the Stars" for real?
His contract runs out at the end of next year.
Maks says he plans to pursue opportunities in acting and reality shows.  He also sees the money opportunities that the other celebrities get from being on the show and he'd like to get a little of that for himself.  Plus he's 32 and clearly letting himself go....LOL!

Until then we can all watch Maks and Kirstie Alley re-team for "Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars," on the season premiere this coming Monday.