Just a few days before the new season of "Dancing With The Stars" premiered, Julianne Hough announced her departure from the judges' panel of the dance competition. Her sudden decision to leave the program has raised a lot of speculation since she refused to provide the reason for her exit.
Hough bows out from 'DWTS' panel after three years
Some of her fans thought the dancer and actress needed more time to adjust to her married life after she tied the knot with NHL player Brooks Laich on July 8. An affiliate, however, clarified that her departure from the ABC show has nothing to do with her husband and married life.
It went on to reveal that Julianne Hough has decided to leave "Dancing with the Stars" to focus on her acting career. Rumor has it that the 29-year-old star has been working on several acting projects before she even announced her exit from the dance show.
Her announcement not only stunned the fans, but also her colleagues who were not expecting Julianne Hough to give up the program that opened a lot of opportunities for her. Although the two-time "Dancing with the Stars" champion left the program to pursue a different course, the show is reportedly not ruling out the possibility of having her back again to rejoin Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba on the panel of judges.
'DWTS' pro gets candid about Hough's exit
It hasn't been long since the new season opened, but some contestants are already feeling Julianne Hough's absence on the set. In fact, Sharna Burgess admitted that things have been different since the former judge bow out from the ballroom.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the 32-year-old pro said Julianne Hough is greatly missed for her wisdom, optimism, and cheerful personality.
Sharna Burgess, however, is unsure if her absence has made the scoring "harsher" than it was in the previous seasons.
"We've just been so tunnel vision on what we've got to do, But I think that is a big part of it," she told the outlet. "Even if Jules was to give a six, she always had something [nice] to say about it. So, you are right."
Sharna Burgess and her partner Derek Fisher averaged 18.7 points for their first three dance routines despite being the crowd favorite.
The #TeamHoopsAndHeels are currently at the bottom of the scoreboard; hence, they are doubling their effort to win the hearts of the judges in the upcoming episodes.
Meanwhile, Julianne Hough has been confirmed to join George Gallo's feature "Bigger" with Tyler Hoechlin, Aneurin Barnard, and Kevin Durand.
