Val Chmerkovskiy Responds to Ciara Miller's Campaign for Him as Her Dancing With the Stars Partner

Ciara Miller's dream pairing for Dancing With the Stars has caught the attention of her top choice. The Summer House cast member, who recently joined the lineup for season 35 of the ABC competition, has been vocal about wanting Val Chmerkovskiy as her pro partner—and now the veteran dancer is weighing in.

At the 33rd Annual Race to Erase MS Gala on Friday, June 5, Val spoke with E! News about Miller's public endorsement. The 40-year-old pro, who attended the event alongside his wife and fellow DWTS pro Jenna Johnson, expressed his appreciation for the nod.

"First of all, I'm so humbled because I saw the Ciara video and there are things that I'm not allowed to disclose at this point in the off season," Val explained. "So, I felt bad. I wanted to say thank you because what a huge compliment it is to be shouted out that way."

He made clear, however, that he doesn't control the pairing decisions. "I am not the one in charge of casting," Val said.

Miller first made her pitch during E!'s Met Gala livestream coverage in May, revealing her efforts to secure Val as her dance partner. "I've been campaigning for Val," she shared. "I don't know if they hear me, but yeah, sending out some emails, putting my word in. We'll see where everyone wants to place me."

Miller was among the initial wave of celebrities announced for season 35, with additional cast members expected to be revealed as the new season approaches.