What To Expect From Julianne Hough As The New Co-Host Of 'Dancing With The Stars'

Hough, who had previously worked on the competition series as a pro dancer. She later became a judge and will now serve as the cohost alongside Alfonso Ribeiro.

She made the announcement in an exclusive statement to Variety, which she also shared on Instagram.

“It is such an honor to be rejoining ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as co-host,” she said. “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,” she added.

The Footloose star also gave a shoutout to Ribeiro and judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, her brother.

She said she was looking forward to reuniting with them, along with “the unbelievably talented pros and the amazing cast on the dance floor.”

It’s clear that Hough has missed her former workplace, as she continued her statement, “The energy is magnetic every time you step foot into the ballroom and I can’t wait to feel it again.”

Lastly, she said she was excited “to share it all with the absolute best and most loyal fans — for another exciting season.”

The Safe Haven actress joined Dancing with the Stars in 2007 as a professional dancer.

She won twice with her celebrity partners – season 4 with Olympic gold medal-winning speed skater, Apolo Anton Ohno, and then season 5 with three-time Indianapolis 500 champion, Hélio Castroneves.

She exited the series in 2009 but returned as a judge in 2014. She left again after three years, then came back as a guest judge in 2021.

For her work on Dancing with the Stars, she received three Emmy nominations, winning once alongside her brother.

For her return in season 32, she will do post-performance interviews with the dancers. The role was previously held by Ribeiro, who will then move on to main hosting duties.

During her time away from the show, Hough has taken on various jobs hosting the Miss USA pageant, cohosting the 75th Tony Awards: Act One, and sitting as a judge on America’s Got Talent, among others.

She also made a number of movies like Burlesque with Cher and also appeared in the TV special Grease Live! with Vanessa Hudgens.

The dancer/actress’ homecoming of sorts comes at the heels of former host Tyra Banks’ exit announcement.

The 49-year-old model and TV personality, who hosted the show for three seasons beginning in 2020, said she was leaving to focus on her ice cream business.

She recently launched her business called SMiZE & DREAM and said she wanted to pour all her energy into it, which meant giving up her DWTS gig.

She’s not totally leaving TV as she switches to entrepreneur mode, though. However, she prefers behind-the-scenes work as a producer rather than hosting.