Dancing With The Stars season 29 will feature Derek Hough, who is taking Len Goodman's spot on the judging panel. Derek is making the transition from pro dancer to judge.
DWTS was one of the many shows that had an 'up in the air' status due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dancing With The Stars producers vowed to make changes to the show so it could air in the fall like it normally would. Many adjustments were made to accommodate the Covid-19 measures, and there will be a season this fall. During Dancing with the Stars season 29, the hit ABC dance series won't have a studio audience, in order to help people stay safe. Other big changes include the firing of hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews, the hiring of Tyra Banks as the new host, and the return of pros Sharna Burgess and Artem Chigvintsev, who were both fired after DWTS season 27. There is also the addition of two new pros, Daniella Karagach and Britt Stewart. One other change was revealed on Tuesday, September 8, and this announcement was another big one.
The new change revealed that a long-running judge on the show, Len Goodman, would not be able to return to the judging panel due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions that are in place. As Len is not able to travel back to the U.S. from the U.K., he will be replaced on the panel by former professional dancer and six-time DWTS champion, Derek Hough. In his Derek Hough Instagram post, which dropped shortly after the announcement was made, Derek stated that the show has always been (and will always be) incredibly special to him. He said he's looking forward to returning to the ballroom as a judge.
Despite Len not being able to physically be in the ballroom this season, the show does plan to have him be a part of the show in a different capacity while living in the U.K. It is unknown what role the show has for Len while he is living in the U.K., but it does seem like fans while still get their dose of Len when the show returns. With Derek being a new judge this season, this is the second time that one of the Hough siblings has appeared as a judge on the show. Derek's younger sister, DWTS alum Julianne Hough, appeared as a judge on the show from seasons 19-21 and 23-24, before leaving the show before the start of season 25.
When Dancing With The Stars returns on Monday, September 14, viewers can expect to see Disney Channel actress Skai Jackson, Catfish: The TV show host Nev Schulman, former The Bachelorette lead Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tiger King's Carole Baskin. These are just several of those who will be competing in the ballroom to win the mirrorball trophy. The celebrities' professional partners will not be revealed until the live season premiere, so viewers will have to tune into Dancing with the Stars at 8 PM EST on ABC to find out the pairings for the new DTWS season.
Source: Derek Hough