'Dancing with the Stars' Cast News: Julianne Hough Exits; Len Goodman Returns
Two-time "Dancing with the Stars" professional champion Julianne Hough, who has served as a judge on the show's previous three seasons, will not be returning to the judges' table for the reality dance competition's 22nd run. While Hough sits out season 22, professional ballroom dancer and coach Len Goodman will return to his seat on the panel.
Goodman, who has served as Head Judge on "Dancing With the Stars" since its inception in 2005, was absent in season 21 due to other filming commitments. Hough filled his seat. During the show's 20th season, both Hough and Goodman served as judges, as did Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
Goodman, Inaba, and Tonioli will be the judges for season 22.
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In a statement to PEOPLE, "Dancing With the Stars" producer Rob Wade said, "Julianne will always be a part of the 'Dancing With the Stars' family and we hope to see her back in the ballroom in the future."
Hough also released a statement on her departure, telling PEOPLE, "I will miss being on the panel for season 22, but have a lot of exciting stuff coming that I look forward to sharing. The pro dancers, producers, and crew at DWTS will always be my family."
While ABC has yet to release official word about the reality dance competition's season 23, there is a possibility that Hough could return to DWTS.
"I promise it's not the last you'll see of me in the ballroom," Hough told the magazine.
The 27-year-old actress/singer/dancer took on the role of Sandy Young in "Grease: Live!," the Fox live TV presentation of the '70s musical "Grease" on Jan. 31. Along with choreographer Tessandra Chavez and her brother, Derek Hough, Julianne won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography in 2015.
"Dancing with the Stars" season 22 is scheduled to premiere on March 21 on ABC.
