DWTS: Who is Returning, Tour News, S20 Surprises

Here’s a roundup of Dancing with the Stars news, in the wake of last night’s season 19 finale, in which Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson took the crown! Who’s leaving? Who’s staying? What to expect from Season 20 and tour news! Read on…

Cheryl Burke is leaving DWTS. The pro dancer will leave DWTS now that her current contract has expired. “Cheryl has been on the show for close to 10 years,” DWTS executive producer Rob Wade said. “She has done a great service to the show and I think she feels that it’s time for her to move on.” (The Wrap)
Len Goodman Will Return for the Spring Cycle – Len will be full time in the spring. While conflicts with the UK version of the show caused Len to miss several weeks of DWTS in the fall, his obligations across the pond are finished for now.
Julianne Hough Will Also Return as Judge – Wade said of new judge, Julianne, “A judging panel isn’t about individuals. It’s about chemistry. That has happened remarkably quickly for Julianne in that role. I couldn’t be happier. I think the ballroom experience and the dance experience and the star quality and vibrancy that Julianne has brought to the panel has been exceptional. I also think that the way that Carrie Ann [Inaba], Bruno [Tonioli] and Len have embraced her and have individually been so great this season, as well, has been wonderful. I think it shows their character that they can do that. The three of them have been absolutely wonderful in welcoming Julianne in and I think it has been lovely to watch.” (The Wrap)
Disney and Other Favorite Themes Will Return for Season 20 – In a longer interview with The Wrap, Wade talks about what to expect for the special 20th season of DWTS coming up this spring. Favorite themes like Disney and Latin night will return. He hopes to bring back pros we haven’t seen in awhile. ?This will be a celebration of all your favorite bits of “Dancing With the Stars,” but it will continue to innovate; it will continue to be fresh,” said Wade. He also talks about the show’s ratings increase–unusual for an aging competition reality show. (TheWrap)
More Dancing Pairs Join the DWTS Tour – During the finale broadcast, winner, Alfonso Ribeiro, confirmed he and partner Witney Carson have joined the DWTS tour. “It will be fun to hang out with all of the dancers and a few of the celebrities that come out and do some spot dates,” Alfonso said. Sadie Robertson & Mark Ballas plan to do some spot dates, while 3rd place finisher, Janel Parrish & Val Chmerkovskiy will also join the tour. (THR)