Dancing With the Stars Judge Derek Hough Signs Deal with ABC

Derek Hough has more than just six mirror ball trophies thanks to ABC airing Dancing With the Stars. The talented performer has now signed a new deal to host and develop programming and specials for the alphabet network.

Derek Hough Signs New Deal

“Coming home to ABC and being given the opportunity to develop projects for them that are as much on brand for them as they are for me makes this even that more exciting for me,” Hough said in a statement.

“Derek is a creative force not just in the ballroom but also every room he enters,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “He has been part of our ABC family for many years; the energy and dedication he brings to every project is palpable. We value his partnership immensely and look forward to the exciting and imaginative projects to come.”

Hough returned to DWTS for Season 29 not as a competitor and pro dancer but as a judge. Original panelist Len Goodman is holding back this season due to travel and COVID-19 concerns.

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Hough began his show business career dancing in his hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 11. A year later, he moved to London and train and live with some of the top dance coaches in the world. He attended Italia Conti, the prestigious performing arts school, where he studied music, dance, and theater.

Hough’s dance partners on DWTS include Brooke Burke (former host of DWTS), Jennie Garth (Beverly Hills, 90210), Ricki Lake (Ricki), Nicole Scherzinger (The X-Factor), Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing), Kellie Pickler (American Idol), Amber Riley (Glee), Amy Purdy (2018 Paralympics silver medalist), and Bindi Irwin (Crikey! It’s the Irwins). He’s known for innovative moves and had recently been a judge on NBC’s World of Dance.

A two-time Emmy Award winner and nine-time Emmy nominee, Hough is the author of Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion. Next year, he heads to Las Vegas to headline in Derek Hough: No Limit. Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays on ABC at 8 p.m. (This week, the dance competition series airs tonight, Tuesday, September 22.)