The dancing pro with the most number of wins in "Dancing With The Stars" will be missing in the upcoming season of the show.
Derek Hough, five-time champion of the hit ABC reality dance show, announced that he will not be a part of "DWTS" season 20. The professional dancer had to quit the show to allot more time for his lead role in "New York Spring Spectacular" that will be held at the Radio City Music Hall.
Does this mean that the fan-favorite pro dancer will not be seen in the reality talent show permanently?
"DWTS" executive producer Rob Wade pacified the growing concerns of loyal fans of the show, saying that Hough will return after his hiatus this season to give way to his big Broadway project. But according to Wade, Hough struggled with his decision to take a break from the "DWTS" cast.
"It was tough for him. We had a real heart to heart. It wasn't an easy decision and it was difficult because I feel like, if not a father, a bit of an uncle to these guys and he was struggling with it so much," the executive producer shared.
"I was like, 'Look, you don't have to close a door. You can leave a door open and go off, come back in the fall. I don't want you to leave more than that and I'll let you go off and do this. We'll allow that.' He was very grateful," Wade added.
This is not the first time that Hough will be missed on the "DWTS" dance floor. He was also missing in the lineup of professional dancers in the 12th season of the hit reality show to give way to his movie "Make your Move 3D."
With Hough out of the equation, fans are now eager to find out the list of returning professional dancers and new celebrity cast members in "Dancing With The Stars" season 20. The list will be announced sometime in "early to mid February."
The new season of "Dancing With The Stars" will start airing on March 16 on ABC.
