Derek Hough to Perform on 'Dancing with the Stars' with Girlfriend

Derek Hough is returning to the ballroom floor for the first time since 2016. ABC announced that the 35-year-old Dancing With the Stars judge will perform during the October 19 episode. He will dance with his girlfriend Hayley Erbert who is also a former Dancing with the Stars pro.

Hough won the championship six times over 17 seasons. That was the most wins for anyone during the history of the popular dance competition show. His dance this time will not be for the Mirror Ball trophy. Even so, he said he and his girlfriend have been practicing. He admitted that he is really sore. Derek has received nine nominations for the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography on Dancing with the Stars. He won the title twice.

Judge on 'Dancing with the Stars'

Hough is replacing longtime judge Len Goodman this season. Len cannot travel from England to the United States because of restrictions between the two countries during the coronavirus pandemic. Goodman does appear briefly though clips as he explains how the dances should be performed.

Derek is doing an exceptional job judging some of the pros that he has worked with over the years. He knows exactly what to look for and to comment about. He is very kind and courteous when he gives dancers advice on how to improve their performances so they can stay on the show much longer.

Derek will leave the judges' desk on October 19 for a short time to perform on the dance floor. The seasoned dancer said he is excited to be dancing with her girlfriend before millions of people. He said it will bring memories back when he was a pro teaching others how to dance. Derek added, "To have the honor and the pleasure to perform once again in this sacred space, it really is a pleasure. I certainly don’t want to disappoint.”

Hough as a Pro on 'Dancing with the Stars'

Hough made his first appearance on the reality show in the sixth episode of Season 4 as a guest instructor for his sister Julianne Hough and Apolo Anton Ohno. Julianne and Apolo won the championship that season on May 22, 2007.

Derek joined the cast of professional instructors in Season 5. His first win was two seasons later on November 25, 2008, when he was paired with Brook Burke during Season 7. Hough's second win was Season 10 on May 25, 2010 when he was was partnered with Nicole Scherzinger. Derek won his third trophy during Season 11 with partner Jennifer Grey on November 23, 2010. (See them dance in the video below).

Derek was partnered with Kellie Pickler during Season 16. They won the competition, and Derek received his fourth Mirror Ball trophy on May 21, 2013. Derek's fifth win was with Amber Riley during Season 17 on November 26, 2013. His final and sixth win was during Season 21 on November 24, 2015 when he was partnered with Bindi Irwin. After that, Derek skipped some seasons and did not compete. His last performance was four years ago with partner Marilou Henner in Season 23. They were eliminated on November 7, 2016 finishing in 6th place, which was a low ranking for Derek.

Make sure you watch Dancing With the Stars every Monday night on ABC Mondays at 8 p.m. ET. Mark your calendar for Monday, October 19 to see judge Derek Hough perform.

'World of Dance '

Derek has dancing in his DNA. When he is not dancing himself, he is judging others and providing advice and support for them. Hough joined NBC's dance competition series World of Dance in May 2017. He is a judge, along with Ne-Yo and Jennifer Lopez. Therefore, when you see dancing on television, Derek Hough is some place close by.