Malikov denies leaving the show and clarifies his position
Russian artist Dmitry Malikov has dismissed rumors that he is stepping away from the Channel One program Fantastic. In a clear statement, he described the reports as ridiculous and insisted that he remains part of the show. He noted that he simply missed an episode, stressing that the circulating claims are baseless and do not reflect reality.
Malikov added that he would address additional topics soon, including plans to meet with representatives of the armed forces who were affected during the incident in Ukraine. The singer stressed that his forthcoming remarks would be handled with care and responsibility in light of recent events.
Earlier speculation circulating in the media connected Dmitry Malikov and fellow artist Dima Bilan with a different project, a new program on Channel One currently titled Fiction. Reports claimed that dancers Dmitry Krasilov and director Klim Shipenko would join the program’s jury in place of the two singers. As the situation developed, these rumors were treated with caution by industry observers, who noted that channel executives had not officially confirmed any cast changes.
In related news, Channel One has reportedly been developing a new show titled Fiction for a September launch. The program is described as featuring virtual avatars representing twelve real people as competitors, with six regular participants and six stars. The format aims to mirror facial expressions, dynamics, and movements through digital replication. The host for the upcoming program is comedian Vadim Galygin, who is slated to guide audiences through the competition, according to insiders familiar with the project discussions.
The broader context suggests that the entertainment landscape has been experimenting with realism and digital likeness on prime-time television. Observers are watching closely to see how these innovations will be received by audiences and whether the integration of virtual copies will influence the competitive dynamics and public perception of celebrity identity on screen. As with any major production, details continue to evolve, and official confirmations will be the key source for any updates. In the meantime, fans and followers are advised to rely on verified statements from the network and the artists themselves when assessing rumors about cast changes or new formats. Citations accompany industry reporting to provide attribution for the evolving story.”