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Derek Hough Confirms Return to ‘Dancing with the Stars’…but There’s a Catch

Derek Hough is returning to Dancing with the Stars…but it’s not what you think.

The 35-year-old performer appeared on today’s episode of Good Morning America and confirmed that he’ll serve as a judge on season 29 of DWTS. *Breaks into happy dance*

“Oh, I just missed the rhinestones. I just, I missed the sparkles,” he said. “I love the show so much—always have, and always will. The joy it brings, the pure entertainment. Just what it represents. I think it’s much needed right now.”

Hough departed Dancing with the Stars back in 2016 after 17 successful seasons. Although he has since served as a judge on World of Dance, this is the first time he’ll score the DWTS performances.

“It’s a very familiar sight,” he added. “Coming back to the show—it feels like coming back home. I’m just very excited.”

As a judge, Hough won’t be eligible for the Mirrorball Trophy (duh). The former pro has previously won the highly coveted prize six times alongside partners Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley and Bindi Irwin. (He came in second place with Shawn Johnson and Amy Purdy.)

Hough will follow in the footsteps of his sister, Julianne, who served as a judge on seasons 19, 20, 21, 23 and 24 of Dancing with the Stars. He’ll critique the performances alongside Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Tyra Banks will host the new season, which is set to premiere on Monday, September 14, on ABC.

Oh, how we’ve missed you (and your sharp dance moves), Derek.



greta

Senior Editor

Greta Heggeness is a California-based editor at PureWow and has been writing about entertainment since 2015. She covers everything from awards shows to exclusive celebrity...