Maybe he’s the new Kevin Clifton—the one some love to hate. As a dancer he’s certainly not comparable to Artem.
Anita’s doing well because she’s popular and was throughout the series (see her social media, DS, the guests on ITT, her social media, etc.) Claims otherwise are absurd. Gleb’s popularity isn’t hurting her, but all the other male pros have avid fans too.
Playing up Gleb’s heartthrob status on the tour is part of the shtick—like Giovanni doing funny accents or Kevin throwing fits. They’re also taking the piss out of him—the rampant crab is a running gag and Gleb’s in on the joke.
What’s wrong with the dances being showy? Have you ever watched competitive Latin dancing? The paso is a kitsch masterpiece--the music, costuming, staging--and the male focus is paso appropriate. By all accounts the fully clothed, sentimental AS is going down a storm too. One should bear in mind Gleb has had to work around what Anita could manage. Maybe if he’s around for the next series he’ll get a celebrity who’s a trained dancer and will be able to choreograph intricate, technically exciting dances
I love Gleb for the pretty and the camp he brings. I’d love for him to be paired with a fun duffer, I’m sure it would be a laugh.