Julianne Hough Steps In For Brother Derek Hough On 'DWTS,' Gives Update On His Health

Derek Hough sadly won't be present for the "Dancing with the Stars" season 30 finale set to air tonight, Monday, November 22. However, he has a worthy replacement in none other than his beloved sister, Julianne Hough.

Yes, that's right! Julianne is making a comeback to "DWTS." Julianne first teased the big news earlier in the day on her Instagram stories when she told fans, "I'm super excited because today you may see me do something that you've seen me do in the past."

She informed fans it was a big secret but urged them to stay tuned to her stories for more information. Then, delivering on her promise, hours later, Julianne revealed she was stepping in for her brother.

The "Safe Haven" actress uploaded a video of her dressed to the nines in Derek's dressing room, getting ready for the show. However, she added a surprise element when she FaceTimed her brother.

Captioning the post, "That's right! I'm back in the ballroom baby," Julianne chatted with Derek, informing him that she was in his dressing room. She confessed that she was "so happy" to be back.

Julianne, who looked ravishing in a gorgeous black dress with a low neck and long sleeves, revealed that she was wearing YSL for the big night.

Julianne's return to the ballroom wasn't the only thing discussed in her Instagram story update. The doting sister did well to give fans an update about her brother's health.

She asked Derek how he was doing amid quarantine, and the talented dancer revealed he was doing great. Then, in a joyful voice, he said:

I’m fine. Today was a turning point. Well, yesterday. But today I’m like…I feel like myself again. I’m like ah I’m back. And you know me I can barely stand still as it is…

Julianne concluded the call, asking her brother for tips before promising to make him proud on the big night.

As you might know, Derek recently tested positive for COVID-19. As The Blast previously covered, Derek announced the heartbreaking health update last week on November 16.

The professional dancer took to Instagram to share the news in a 33-second video, saying, "Hey everyone, I have some news to share and I wanted you to hear it straight from me. Um even though I've been fully vaccinated, I've just been diagnosed with a breakthrough case of COVID."

In an update post days ago, Derek informed fans how he was doing amid quarantine. He shared a photo with his dog, confessing that the canine had been by his side through it all.

He praised the dog for being protective of him, admitting that it "melts" his heart. The dancer has been surrounded by a lot of love, especially with his partner Hayley Erbert taking care of him.

Julianne's appearance on "DWTS" comes days after she was spotted packing on an intense PDA moment with a mysterious man.

The professional dancer was seen locking lips with a tall white man outside a restaurant in Los Angeles on Friday. The supposed couple dressed casually with Julianne rocking a fuzzy brown jacket and grey sweatpants.

The lovebirds hugged tightly before exchanging a kiss. The mystery man has been identified as model Charlie Wilson, but not much is known about him.

Julianne was previously married hockey player Brooks Laich for three years before their divorce in November 2020.