Julianne Hough stunned the "Dancing With The Stars" fans with reports of her departure from the dance show. Her sudden exit was confirmed a few days before the new season premiered on September 18.
An affiliate of the show confirmed that the pro-turned-judge would not be joining the panel of judges with Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Len Goodman when the dance program returns for its 25th season. The former “Dancing with the Stars” judge refused to provide further details about her departure from the show after almost seven years.
Julianne Hough confirms 'DWTS' exit
Hence, some fans thought Julianne Hough needed some time to cope up with married life after she tied the knot with Brooks Laich in July. An insider, however, clarified that the decision has nothing to do with the NHL player or their marriage.
Aside from this theory, rumor has it that Julianne Hough has decided to give up her “Dancing with the Stars” gig to focus on her acting career. It was even reported that the dancer-actress has been working on several acting actresses even before she confirmed her departure from the ABC program.
After much speculation, Julianne Hough, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, finally broke her silence since she bowed out from the dance competition.
The two-time “Dancing with the Stars” champion admitted that she missed being on the judges’ panel every time she watches the performances of the contestants.
'DWTS' judge reveals reason for departure
In fact, Julianne Hough liked it now that she can be vocal about her favorite pairs which she could not do when she was still one of the judges.
She named Derek Fisher, Sasha Pieterse, and Lindsey Stirling as her favorite celebrity contestants. Julianne Hough also commended her “Grease Live!” co-star Jordan Fisher for his performance in the dance competition.
The actress praised the overall casting of this season’s “Dancing with the Stars” which she was “really fun to watch.” Julianne Hough also confirmed that she is taking her time to focus on her acting career after she left the ballroom.
"I'm excited, you know? This is a different chapter,” she mused. “I'm 29, and I feel like I'm coming into my own.”
The “Safe Haven” star is now gearing up for an upcoming film, which she said has convinced her to return to acting. Although it was hard to give up something that brought her to popularity, Julianne Hough thought she needed to decide to set a direction she would like to take.
