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

The couple announced their separation after 27 years of marriage back in July

Mauricio Umansky is reflecting on the support he’s received from his family members during his tough times.

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

“Physically, I have transformed tremendously,” he gushed. “Since I started this journey, I had just gotten back from Italy, so I was eating a lot of pasta, [and] I was drinking a lot of wine. I've been on a great diet, I've lost 20 pounds in six weeks. I'm [in] as good physical shape as I've ever been.”

Related: Mauricio Umansky Says He's 'Taking It Day by Day' with Kyle Richards — but 'We're Both Happy'

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

“I've been going through a lot,” he said before referring to his DWTS pro partner. “Emma [Slater] has been a great friend, a great coach, a great confidant, and emotionally, it's just been a great journey as well. So on every aspect, it's been solid.”

Umanksy also revealed how his family has been “so supportive” during his run on the show. He shared that his mother and his daughters have been regulars in the stands.

“Kyle [Richards] has been supportive,” he added of his wife, who is he currently separated from. “Despite the fact that she hasn't been here, she's had her own stuff going on and what have you, but everybody's been super supportive.”

Related: Mauricio Umansky Says He and Kyle Richards Are 'Not Throwing in the Towel' Despite 'Rough Patch' (Exclusive)

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

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

Despite their troubles, Umansky previously insisted he and Richards were working on their marriage.

“We’ve been married for 27 years. We’re having a bit of a rough patch," he told PEOPLE in early October, adding that “sometimes life throws you different things” and “you’ve gotta work through it.”

“She and I currently are separated, but we are not throwing in the towel,” he went on. “We’re not just saying that to say that. We actually are not yet throwing in the towel.”

While he continued to fight for his marriage and compete on DWTS, Umansky sparked romance rumors with Slater after they were spotted holding hands after leaving a sushi restaurant in Beverly Hills.

The Dancing with the Stars duo later addressed the speculation in a video shared to Umansky’s Instagram Story, and shut down any romance rumors.

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

“It's intense, like you really form a very, very special bond and I think we have similar personalities,” Slater agreed, noting how their relationship is “super supportive.”

“We’re definitely there for each other and it's beautiful. That's a great thing,” she added.

Related: Mauricio Umansky Teases DWTS Tribute to Wife and Kids After Buzz About Cozy Photos with Partner Emma Slater

“You know, just to clarify, we went to a restaurant to go get some sushi right after rehearsal. We were in our rehearsal clothes. Lots of the stories are wrong,” the real estate mogul continued.

“The paparazzi caught, you know, that moment and it's become a blown-out moment,” he concluded.

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Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.

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