Mauricio Umansky Says He’s ‘Been Going Through a Lot’ After DWTS Run But Kyle Richards Is ‘Supportive’ (Exclusive)

Mauricio Umansky reflects on the support he received from his family members during difficult times.

While speaking with PEOPLE following his elimination from the Dancing with the stars on Tuesday, the 53-year-old real estate agent opened up about the ways his time on the competitive dance show changed him both physically and emotionally.

“Physically, I’ve transformed tremendously,” he said. “Since I started this trip, I just came back from Italy, so I ate a lot of pasta, [and] I drank a lot of wine. I was on a great diet, I lost 20 pounds in six weeks. It’s me [in] in as good physical shape as I’ve ever been.”

Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater in ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

Eric McCandless/Disney

Mauricio Umansky says he’s ‘taking it one day at a time’ with Kyle Richards — but ‘we’re both happy’

The The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills the star also shared how he grew “emotionally” during his “incredible journey” and the tough trials he went through in his personal life.

“I’ve been through a lot,” he said before looking back on his own DWTS pro partner. “Emma [Slater] he’s been a great friend, a great coach, a great confidant, and emotionally, it’s also been a great journey. So, in every aspect, it was solid.”

Todd Williamson/E! Entertainment/NBCU photos via Getty Images

Umanksy also revealed how his family was “so supportive” during his time on the show. He shared that his mother and his daughters were regulars in the stands.

“Kyle [Richards] was supportive,” he added of his wife, from whom he is currently separated. “Despite the fact that she wasn’t here, she had her own things going on, what about you, but everyone was super supportive.”

Mauricio Umanksy and Kyle Richards with their children.

JB Lacroix/WireImage

Mauricio Umansky says he and Kyle Richards ‘aren’t throwing in the towel’ despite ‘tough situation’ (Exclusive)

Back in July, PEOPLE confirmed that Richards and Umansky were separating after 27 years of marriage.

“Kyle and Mauricio have been separated for some time, but they still live under the same roof,” a source close to the couple revealed at the time. “They have remained amicable as they figure out what’s next for them and their family.”

Despite their problems, Umansky has previously insisted that he and Richards are working on their marriage.

“We have been married for 27 years. We’re in a bit of a tough situation,” he told PEOPLE in early October, adding that “sometimes life throws different things at you” and that “you have to get through it.”

“She and I are separated right now, but we’re not throwing in the towel,” he continued. “We’re not saying it just to say it. We’re not actually throwing in the towel yet.”

Mauricio Umansky and Kyle Richards attend Bravo’s premiere party for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 9.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

While he continued to fight for his marriage and compete further DWTSUmansky sparked romance rumors with Slater after they were seen holding hands after leaving a sushi restaurant in Beverly Hills.

The Dancing with the stars the duo later addressed the speculation in a video shared on Umansky’s Instagram Story and dismissed any dating rumors.

“We’re not dating,” he said. “We are really good friends. We’ve been dancing together for six weeks, four hours a day, every day.”

“It’s intense, like you really create a very, very special bond and I think we have similar personalities,” Slater agreed, noting that their relationship is “extremely supportive.”

“We’re definitely there for each other and that’s wonderful. It’s a great thing,” she added.

Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater.

Vivien Killilea/Getty

Mauricio Umansky teases DWTS Tribute to wife and children after buzz about cozy photos with partner Emma Slater

“You know, just to clarify, we went to a restaurant for sushi right after the rehearsal. We were in rehearsal clothes. A lot of the stories are wrong,” the real estate mogul continued.

“The paparazzi caught, you know, that moment and it became a deflated moment,” he concluded.

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Dancing with the stars airs Tuesdays at 8pm ET on ABC and Disney+.

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