Tyra Banks announced her exit earlier this month. A full-circle moment for Julianne Hough.
The 34-year-old dancer and actor rose to fame as a pro on Dancing With the Stars, becoming the youngest dancer to win the Mirrorball Trophy in season four and following it up with another victory in season five. After dancing on the program for five seasons from 2007 to 2009, she sat on the judges' panel from 2014 to 2017, and returned as a guest judge in 2021. On March 20, ABC confirmed that Hough will be returning to the dance competition as cohost alongside Alfonso Ribeiro.
“It is such an honor to be rejoining Dancing With the Stars as cohost,” Hough said in an exclusive statement to Variety, which she later posted on Instagram. “The show holds such a special place in my heart from the many years and different roles I have had the privilege of being a part of. The incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night has been my family for the past 17 years.”
Julianne Hough will once again share the spotlight with her brother, Derek Hough, who has been a judge on the reality series since season 29. Before working as a judge on Dancing With the Stars, the 37-year-old won the program six times during his 17-season run from 2007 to 2016. He is returning with fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
Hough's statement continued, “I am so excited to reunite with Alfonso, Carrie Ann, Bruno, Derek, the unbelievably talented pros, and the amazing cast on the dance floor. The energy is magnetic every time you step foot in to the ballroom and I can’t wait to feel it again—and of course to share it all with the absolute best and most loyal fans—for another exciting season.”
This news comes after former host Tyra Banks announced her exit after three seasons. “I feel it’s time for me to really focus on my business and my entrepreneurship, and also producing more TV—but behind the scenes,” Banks revealed to TMZ earlier this month. “I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor…from the ballroom to the boardroom.”
She continued, “Don’t you think it’s time? Yeah, I think it’s time. I’m an entrepreneur at heart.… I think my heart, my soul, is into my business, it’s also into producing new TV, which we’re working on. We have a new business show coming soon. But I really, really want to focus on my business, and you can’t do that hosting a show.”
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