Various news outlets have confirmed that the six-time 'DWTS' champion will be sitting out this season due to his commitment to Broadway's show 'Singin' in the Rain'.
- March 2, 2016
AceShowbiz -
Derek Hough, who has competed as a pro dancer on "Dancing with the Stars" since the fifth season, is not returning for the upcoming 22nd season. Various sites have confirmed that the 30-year-old will be sitting out this season to focus on his Broadway show "Singin' in the Rain".
Speculations ran rampant that he's taking a time off from the dancing competition series after it's revealed that Derek's heading to Broadway to take over the role Gene Kelly made famous in "Singin' in the Rain". He tweeted on Monday, February 29, "Proud to be apart of another adventure with The Weinsten Company. #Broadway #singingintherainmusical #classic #2017."
His sister Julianne Hough, who was serving as a judge for season 20 and 21, will not be back for the upcoming installment either. She said in February, "I will miss being on the panel for Season 22, but have a lot of exciting stuff coming that I look forward to sharing. The pro dancers, producers and crew at DWTS will always be my family," adding, "I promise it's not the last you'll see of me in the ballroom."
"DWTS" season 22 will premiere March 21 on ABC. Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli will return as the judges. "America's Next Top Model" winner Nyle DiMarco is rumored to join the dancing competition.
