Julianne Hough not returning to 'Dancing with the Stars' next season

Julianne Hough will not be reprising her role as a judge on Dancing with the Stars' next season.


When the professional dancer and actress sat down with her husband, Brooks Laich, for an interview with Access Hollywood, she revealed why she won't be coming back for the show's 26th edition, which will be a condensed all-athletes version.

"Just new chapters of life. I mean, I love the show. I'll always be a part of either the show somehow -- Dancing with the Stars -- or just being a part of like the movement of dance," the 29-year-old explained.

"It really has been a movement of dance in the last 10 years between all the different shows that have really elevated and put dancers on a platform that I feel like they deserve. Usually dancers are in the background supporting, but they're at the forefront right now and it makes me so happy that I was a part of that journey too."

Brooks, however, is open to joining the reality dancing competition. The 34-year-old NHL pro -- who most recently played for the Los Angeles Kings -- would apparently be up for the challenge of trading in his skates for dancing shoes.


When asked if he'd ever consider doing the show, Brooks told Access Hollywood, "You know what, I would."

"I would because I want to learn technically how to lead my wife," Brooks revealed as the reason behind his interest.

"She said we dance in the kitchen. I try and lead, I try and have a presence of leadership, but I don't technically know how to move her the way that she's been moved in her life. It's weird to say, man. It's weird to say, but I would do the show just to be able to have that education."

Julianne and Brooks got married in July 2017 during a romantic outdoor wedding on Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho.

"It definitely feels different being married. People have always said that and I didn't understand it but now I feel more whole," Julianne gushed to Access Hollywood.


"Just being able to call him husband is so fun. It was actually when we got our marriage certificate. It was like, 'How are you doing, husband?' It was fun."

After serving as a guest judge for two seasons, Julianne officially joined Dancing with the Stars as a regular judge for Season 19. She then took a break for Season 22.

For Dancing with the Stars' 25th edition, Julianne only made an appearance as a guest judge again.

Earlier this week, pro dancer Gleb Savchenko confirmed he'll be returning for Dancing with the Stars' all-athletes season, while fellow pros Alan Bersten and Artem Chigvintsev played coy. 

Witney Carson also recently announced her Dancing with the Stars' comeback; however, it's unclear whether she'll be part of Season 26 or the show's subsequent Fall 2018 season.


Dancing with the Stars' special four-week spring edition premieres Monday, April 30 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski