Former Strictly Come Dancing star Gleb Savchenko has hit out at Maura Higgins following her blunt comments about not wanting him as a dance partner. The former Love Island star may have become a huge hit in America, but it appears she'll never break her loyal friendship with Brook Nader. Ahead of her upcoming appearance on Dancing With the Stars, Maura boldly shared her partner preferences.

When asked who she would love to be coupled up with on the show, she admitted she'd be "happy with anyone but Gleb [Savchenko]." Speaking to E! News, she explained her reason behind her decision, insisting: "That's only because I'm loyal and I'm friends with Brooks."

She went on: "I don't really like the way he speaks about women. I don't really want to spend all my time with someone like that. I'm like, 'No thank you'." Now, Gleb has fired back and has issued a statement to Metro about her comments.

It read: "Until I was asked to comment on this story, I'd genuinely never heard of this girl, Maura, so I'm certainly not going to lose any sleep over the opinions of someone I've never met.

"It's odd to publicly attack a complete stranger, but if that's how she wants to make headlines before the show starts, that's her choice. I'll stay focused and leave the unnecessary drama to everyone else."

Brooks is an American model and TV personality. Back in 2019, she won the Swim Search for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and began modelling for the publication. The Love Thy Nader star came ninth in the 33rd series of DWTS with Gleb after getting eliminated on Dedication Night.

When the show ended, they started dating off-camera. But their romance was short-lived. Seven months after romance rumours began, Brooks and Gleb's relationship had ended, with the latter telling Us Weekly that he was "surprised to learn" that Brooks had called time on their relationship.

In April this year, while participating in the Unwell Winter Games YouTube series, Gleb claimed he had "probably the worst sex of [his] life" with the model. It is not yet clear whether Savchenko will return to DWTS for the 35th series.

The Russian dancer appeared on Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer back in 2015, where he was partnered with Anita Rani. Maura has already stated that she wants no showmance to come out of her time on the American ballroom show. She told E! News: "I'm single, I'm celibate, and I'm bloody happy."

Express.co.uk has reached out to Maura Higgins for a comment.