The Untold Truth Of Nikki Bella's Fiance
Nikki Bella has some very exciting news. Not only is the Total Bellas star newly engaged, but she's also having a baby, according to Life & Style! Bella announced her engagement with Dancing With the Stars alum Artem Chigvintsev in an adorable Instagram post in early January, writing, "Excited for 2020 and the next decade with you @theartemc." Bella added, "I said yes in France in November! We have been trying to keep it a secret but really wanted to share our excitement for the New Year!"
Bella and Chigvintsev were vacationing in France when he popped the question after Bella met his parents, according to E! News. She spoke about the experience on her podcast, The Bellas Podcast, which she hosts with her sister, Brie. Bella said of Chigvintsev's parents: "They are the sweetest people in the world... Overall, Artem's parents did say they liked me a lot, which is amazing."
Her future in-laws were also very curious about their prospect as grandparents, as Bella shared, "His dad asked his mom so his mom could ask Artem when we were having kids." She jokingly added (via E! News), "I started to think, Is it because I'm old? Did he Google and know I'm going to be 36 in November and he's like, 'Well those eggs are shriveling up, so she better get pregnant.'"
Well, they can all breathe a sigh of relief, since the happy couple is now expecting a baby.
All about father-to-be Artem Chigvintsev
According to his personal website, Artem Chigvintsev was born in Russia and learned to love dancing from his mother. The 37-year-old landed in Los Angeles in 2004, where he appeared on So You Think You Can Dance Season 1 and made it to the top 8. He took on various choreography roles — appearing in The O.C., the film I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, as well as the 80th Oscars ceremony.
Chigvintsev previously danced with and dated professional ballroom dancer, Giselle Peacock. In 2004, the couple married, but split a year later. He also dated DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inanba in 2006 before he joined the series, according to People.
In 2010, Chigvintsev appeared on British series Strictly Come Dancing, where he won his first season with actress Kara Tointon and was on the show for three more seasons. He appeared on Season 18 of Dancing With the Stars, which premiered in 2014, as a member of the Dance Troupe, according to People, and the next year was promoted to a pro dancer. It was on DWTS Season 25 in 2017 that Chigvintsev was partnered with Nikki Bella and they finished in 7th place. Bella was engaged to John Cena at the time, but they split up in 2018.
Chigvintsev was actually cut from DWTS before Season 28, according to People, in what he called a "massive shock." But thankfully, he has a new future with Bella and their baby!