We're really sorry, Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

The gorgeous Dancing with the Stars professional is stuck with Denise Richards as a partner for season eight of the show.

He seemed upbeat about it during a recent interview with TV Guide, however. A few excerpts from it:

TVGuide.com: How excited are you to be paired with Denise?
Chmerkovskiy: Very. Very. Things are happening up here [in my head], as to what we're going to do for our first dance... . I'm picking up on all the things she's been saying about her flexibility and the Pilates. Most of the things that are difficult for the celebrities are moving their legs and arms in different directions at the same time, to the music.

TVGuide.com: Coordination is important. [Olympic gymnast] Shawn Johnson might have the athleticism and Belinda Carlisle and Lil' Kim may have rhythm, but...
Chmerkovskiy: Lil' Kim is going to be up for a challenge, I think. We'll see. The cast is as diverse as it's ever been. All jokes aside, there are some people that I would probably not want to be paired up with. I lucked out with Denise.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.