Janel Parrish and Payson Lewis Split: Unpacking the Val Chmerkovskiy Romance Rumors Amidst DWTS ‘Showmance’ Speculation

The entertainment world was abuzz with surprising news when Payson Lewis, a singer-songwriter known for his soulful vocals, openly confirmed his enduring love for Janel Parrish. The 25-year-old actress, celebrated for her role in the hit series Pretty Little Liars, was at the time captivating audiences with her impressive performances on Dancing with the Stars. It was on October 16 that Lewis took to Instagram, not to share a romantic ode, but to announce the difficult news of their split, marking an end to their relationship that had spanned roughly a year and a half. This public declaration immediately sparked a flurry of speculation, especially given Parrish’s high-profile involvement in the popular dance competition and the palpable on-screen chemistry she shared with her professional dance partner.

Their relationship had been largely private, away from the intense media scrutiny often faced by celebrity couples. However, Payson’s heartfelt message brought their personal lives into the spotlight, igniting conversations among fans about the possible reasons behind their separation. The timing, coinciding with Janel’s burgeoning success on DWTS and the undeniable connection she displayed with her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, made the announcement even more impactful. Fans and media alike were left wondering if the pressures of fame, the demands of the competition, or perhaps something more profound had driven a wedge between the once-happy couple.

Payson Lewis & Janel Parrish Break Up: A Heartfelt Farewell

The announcement came straight from Payson Lewis’s heart, shared with his followers through a poignant Instagram post. “All good things must come to an end. Thank you for the happiest year and a half of my life. I will always love you @janelparrish and I wish you nothing but the best. Forever #teamjanel,” Payson captioned an Instagram pic featuring a sweet moment with his now ex-girlfriend. This public display of affection and sorrow resonated deeply with fans, who quickly flooded the comments section with messages of support for both Payson and Janel. His decision to express his feelings openly and to continue showing support for Janel’s DWTS journey, even in the midst of their personal heartbreak, spoke volumes about the nature of their relationship and his character.

For many, Payson’s message was a testament to a truly loving relationship, making the breakup all the more heartbreaking. It wasn’t a bitter or angry post; instead, it conveyed a sense of acceptance and a genuine wish for Janel’s happiness and success. This mature approach to a difficult separation earned him respect from fans, who appreciated his transparency and unwavering support for Janel, even as she navigated the intense world of competitive ballroom dancing. The emotional weight of his words underscored the depth of their bond, leaving many to mourn the end of what appeared to be a beautiful romance. The timing of this revelation, however, could not have been more dramatic, as Janel’s journey on Dancing with the Stars was reaching a fever pitch, surrounded by its own set of compelling narratives.

The intricate world of reality television, particularly a high-stakes competition like Dancing with the Stars, often blurs the lines between professional partnership and personal chemistry. Janel Parrish’s dynamic performances with Val Chmerkovskiy had already become a major talking point. Their routines, filled with passion and undeniable synergy, fueled persistent rumors of a burgeoning romance. So, when Payson Lewis announced his split from Janel, the public immediately connected the dots, wondering if the intensity of her DWTS experience and her connection with Val had played a role in the breakup. This speculation wasn’t entirely unfounded, as the show has a long history of “showmances” – where dance partners develop real-life romantic relationships, or at least spark intense rumors of them.

Val & Janel — The New Maks & Meryl? Unpacking the DWTS ‘Showmance’ Phenomenon

Indeed, the timing of Payson’s announcement was incredibly interesting, coinciding precisely with the peak of Janel’s competition on DWTS alongside Val Chmerkovskiy. The pair had been consistently delivering performances that oozed chemistry, leading many fans and tabloids to believe they were more than just dance partners. Adding fuel to this already blazing fire, Janel actually posted a picture just seven hours after her ex, Payson, made his announcement. This photo depicted her on what appeared to be a casual double date with Val’s older brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and his partner (and fellow DWTS champ), Meryl Davis! This outing, captured and shared on social media, further solidified the perception of a developing romance between Janel and Val in the eyes of the public. The visual evidence, combined with the recent breakup, painted a compelling narrative of new beginnings and complex emotional entanglements.

The “double date” scenario was particularly significant because Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Meryl Davis themselves had been at the center of a highly publicized “showmance” during their championship season on Dancing with the Stars. Their undeniable chemistry and tender moments on and off the dance floor led to widespread hopes and rumors of a real-life romance, affectionately dubbed “Maksyl” by fans. Although they ultimately stated their relationship was purely platonic, the public’s desire for a fairytale ending was palpable. Therefore, Janel and Val’s apparent imitation of this dynamic, especially with Maks and Meryl present, strongly suggested that the two were indeed becoming the next highly anticipated romantic pairing from the show. This created an instant narrative hook, drawing parallels between the two couples and intensifying the scrutiny on Janel and Val’s burgeoning relationship.

Adding another layer to the intricate dance of speculation, Janel also made an appearance on Access Hollywood Live the day before Payson’s breakup announcement, where she and Val took a lie detector test together. Naturally, the interview delved into the most talked-about aspect of their partnership: their rumored relationship and the much-discussed on-screen kiss. The kiss, which occurred during one of their intensely passionate performances, left many wondering if it was an intentional romantic gesture or merely a moment of performance art that blurred the lines. The hosts pressed them on the intimacy of their connection, and their responses, coupled with their body language during the test, were dissected by millions.

During the revealing interview, Val Chmerkovskiy offered a rather cheeky explanation for the ambiguous kiss, stating, “Her face is just so small and her lips are so big that anywhere I’m going to kiss is going to land on her lips.” While intended to be humorous, this comment only served to heighten the intrigue surrounding their relationship, leaving fans to interpret its underlying meaning. Was it a playful deflection, a subtle confirmation, or simply an innocent observation? The ambiguity only fueled the public’s fascination. You can watch them take the lie detector test here to draw your own conclusions about their responses and the palpable tension between them. The segment became a viral sensation, amplifying the “showmance” narrative and making Janel and Val the season’s most compelling storyline, both on and off the dance floor.

The entire saga illustrates the powerful influence of “showmances” on Dancing with the Stars. These rumored or actual relationships between partners often become as central to the show’s appeal as the dancing itself. They generate buzz, increase viewership, and create a deeper emotional investment from the audience. For contestants like Janel Parrish, navigating a demanding competition while simultaneously dealing with a very public breakup and the intense spotlight of a potential new romance is an immense challenge. The pressure to perform, maintain a public image, and manage personal feelings can be overwhelming. Yet, it also adds an element of raw, unscripted drama that keeps viewers captivated, eager to see how these stories unfold week after week. The lines between personal life and performance become incredibly blurred, creating a compelling, sometimes heartbreaking, spectacle for millions to watch.

The emotional rollercoaster for Janel Parrish, moving from a stable relationship with Payson Lewis to the whirlwind of rumors with Val Chmerkovskiy, all while competing on a national stage, highlights the unique pressures faced by celebrities. Fans, heavily invested in their favorite stars, often feel a personal connection to these developments. Social media platforms explode with theories, debates, and declarations of support or disappointment. This phenomenon creates a rich, interactive experience for the audience, but it also means that the private lives of public figures are constantly under a microscope, with every interaction, every comment, and every post scrutinized for clues. For Janel, her journey on DWTS transcended just dance; it became a very public narrative of love, loss, and potential new beginnings.

This entire situation begs several questions: Do you believe Janel and Payson’s breakup was a direct result of the intense chemistry and rumored romance between Janel and Val? Are Janel and Val genuinely dating, or are they simply playing into the “showmance” trope that so often defines Dancing with the Stars for the benefit of the competition and public interest? Perhaps they are exploring a connection that is still in its nascent stages. The public remains fascinated, waiting for more clues to unravel this captivating story. Whatever the truth, the drama surrounding Janel Parrish’s personal life added an undeniable layer of intrigue to her already impressive run on the dance floor, leaving audiences eager for more developments. Let us know your thoughts!

— Emily Longeretta
Follow @EmilyLongeretta

More Janel Parrish News:

1. ‘Pretty Little Liars’ Star Joins ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 19
2. Janel Parrish Defends Her Racy ‘DWTS’ Burlesque Dance
3. ‘DWTS’: Janel Parrish & Val Chmerkovskiy Kiss Backstage — Pic