Dance pro Derek Hough will not be returning to Dancing with the Stars for its 22nd season, and for a very happy reason. The hoofer is set to star in the upcoming Broadway production of Singin’ In the Rain, in the lead role made famous by Gene Kelly in the iconic 1952 movie. The show will open in January.
That means Dancing with the Stars will be completely Hough-less for the upcoming cycle, as Derek’s sister, Julianne recently announced she would not be returning to the judges panel.
The musical’s producer Harvey Weinstein made the announcement last night at the annual pre-Oscar dinner that his company throws every year in Beverly Hills. Hough was in attendance to perform two numbers from the show included “Moses Supposes” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”
Weinstein, primarily a Hollywood film producer, also mounted Finding Neverland, which is in the midst of a successful Broadway run, despite being snubbed at the Tony Awards. Glee’s Matthew Morrison was the original star.
As far as DWTS is concerned, the rumor mill had him out this season when the dancer wasn’t spotted at DWTS rehearsals, which began early last week. He probably could do the spring cycle with plenty of airplane trips in between the coasts. But, remember when Derek had to drop out of the Rockettes’ Spring Spectacular after a DWTS injury? Derek may be hanging up his competition shoes for good.
Check out a clip of Derek performing “Singin’ in The Rain” and “Moses Supposes.”
