As Derek Hough embraces fatherhood with wife Hayley Erbert, fans are buzzing about his potential return to Dancing With The Stars as a judge. Bindi Irwin’s heartfelt praise for Hough as “the most wonderful dad” has reignited hopes for his comeback.
The duo’s iconic Season 21 victory remains a fan favorite, with their chemistry and emotional performances still celebrated. Could parenthood inspire Hough to bring fresh energy to the judging panel? Speculation grows as the DWTS community eagerly awaits his next move.
- Derek Hough’s future as a DWTS judge is under speculation as he prepares for fatherhood, with fans wondering if he’ll return to the show after welcoming his first child.
- Bindi Irwin, Hough’s former DWTS partner, praised him as “the most wonderful dad,” reigniting nostalgia for their iconic Season 21 win and chemistry.
- Hough’s potential new perspective as a father could influence his judging style, possibly emphasizing emotional storytelling and relatability for parent contestants.
- Fans debate whether Hough will balance DWTS with fatherhood or take a break, with many hoping he maintains his energetic presence on the show.
Derek Hough’s DWTS Future as a Judge: Will Fatherhood Bring Him Back After Bindi Irwin’s Heartfelt Praise?
As Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Erbert prepare to welcome their first child, fans are eagerly speculating whether the six-time Dancing With The Stars champion will return as a judge next season. Hough’s undeniable chemistry with former partner Bindi Irwin, which led them to victory in Season 21, remains one of the show’s most beloved pairings. Now, with Irwin herself praising Hough’s impending fatherhood, the dance community wonders how this new chapter might influence his role on the hit ABC series.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/derek-hough-bindi-irwin-102325-b1cdb990b1e44fb38f6d9ae596f1f0e4.jpg)
The 38-year-old dancer-turned-judge has balanced multiple roles throughout his career, from choreographing Broadway shows to starring in television specials. However, parenthood presents a uniquely transformative experience that could reshape his priorities. Some industry insiders suggest Hough might take a season off to focus on family, while others believe his passion for mentoring dancers will keep him at the judges’ table.
The Bindi Irwin Factor: How Their Winning Partnership Still Resonates
Bindi Irwin recently made headlines when she called her former dance partner “the most wonderful dad” during a wildlife charity event. The 25-year-old conservationist’s endorsement carries special weight, given their close bond forged during DWTS Season 21. Their freestyle routine honoring her late father Steve Irwin remains one of the show’s highest-rated performances, scoring a perfect 40 and moving judge Julianne Hough to tears.
- 2015 Mirrorball Trophy Win: Defeated finalists Nick Carter and Alek Skarlatos
- Memorable Moments: Argentine Tango set to “Cry Little Sister,” Jazz routine to “Toxic”
- Unique Achievement: First pair to earn perfect scores in both semifinals and finals
How Fatherhood Could Reshape Hough’s Judging Style
Industry analysts note that parenthood often softens entertainers’ professional personas while intensifying their creative depth. For Hough, this might manifest in several ways:
| Possible Change | Impact on DWTS |
|---|---|
| Greater emphasis on storytelling | Could influence scoring toward emotionally cohesive routines |
| Increased patience with beginners | May balance Len Goodman’s technical rigor |
| Advocacy for parent contestants | Relatable insights for stars balancing family/show |
Interestingly, Hough’s sister Julianne transitioned from dancer to judge while maturing in her personal life—a potential blueprint for his evolution. Their shared background in Burn the Floor dance company suggests Derek might follow a similar trajectory of deepening artistic expression.
The Logistics: Can DWTS Accommodate a New Father’s Schedule?
Behind the scenes, producers face practical considerations regarding Hough’s potential return:
- Filming Schedule: Live shows tape Tuesday nights with Monday rehearsals
- Judges’ Prep: Requires reviewing 10+ hours of rehearsal footage weekly
- Travel Demands: Cross-country flights from LA to family commitments
When Julianne became a judge in 2014, the show adjusted taping schedules to accommodate her Broadway commitments in Safe in the Wings. A similar compromise could emerge for Derek, possibly reducing his episode count or allowing virtual critiques during crucial newborn months.
Bindi Irwin’s Emotional Testimonial on Hough’s Character
Irwin’s recent comments at Australia Zoo revealed heartfelt dimensions of their friendship that extend beyond the ballroom. She recalled how Hough supported her through grief while choreographing their tribute to her father, demonstrating emotional intelligence that bodes well for parenthood: “Derek has this rare ability to make people feel both challenged and cherished simultaneously—that’s what makes him extraordinary.”
Their off-camera bond included:
- Weekly video calls after DWTS to discuss wildlife projects
- Joint advocacy for St. Jude Children’s Hospital
- Hough attending Irwin’s 2020 wedding to Chandler Powell
What DWTS Producers Are Saying Behind the Scenes
Insiders reveal the creative team is preparing contingency plans:
| Scenario | Potential Replacement | Audience Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full-season absence | Cheryl Burke or Maks Chmerkovskiy | Risk losing Hough’s millennial fanbase |
| Partial participation | Rotating guest judges | Maintains continuity with flexibility |
| Unchanged schedule | N/A | Depends on Erbert’s postpartum support system |
Notably, when Hough took leave in 2020 for Hairspray Live!, the show’s ratings dipped 8% among viewers aged 18-34—a demographic crucial for advertising revenue. This precedent makes producers keen to retain him in some capacity.
The Broader Impact on DWTS’ Future
Hough’s decision carries symbolic weight beyond his individual role. As the last remaining judge with professional dance credentials following Len Goodman’s retirement, his continued presence legitimizes the competition’s artistic standards. Potential ripple effects include:
- Influencing ABC’s negotiations for post-2024 renewals
- Setting precedents for family-friendly scheduling in reality TV
- Shifting focus toward mentoring over criticism in judging culture
The Verdict: Will He Stay or Go?
While no official announcement has been made, credible indicators suggest:
- Short-Term: Likely returns for Season 32 premiere to honor contracts
- Mid-Season: Possible reduced episodes during newborn months
- Long-Term: May transition to creative consultant role in 2024
Hough’s recent Instagram post praising the DWTS crew (“My family beyond family”) implies he’ll find a way to stay involved. Ultimately, his decision may redefine what work-life balance looks like for entertainers in live competition shows.
Comments