Julianne Hough Says Returning To 'DWTS' Is A 'Full Circle' Moment

Julianne Hough Says Returning To 'DWTS' Is A 'Full Circle' Moment

Home / Entertainment / Julianne Hough Says Returning To 'DWTS' Is A 'Full Circle' Moment

By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on April 20, 2023 at 7:15 PM EDT

Julianne Hough will return to the "Dancing With the Stars" ballroom and replace Tyra Banks as co-host of the reality competition show, while Alfonso Ribeiro will return as co-host.

After joining the "Dancing With the Stars" family in 2006, Hough says she cannot wait to return to the ballroom as it is all coming "full circle."

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Julianne Hough Says Returning To Ballroom Is "Just Family Again"

Julianne Hough Says Returning To 'DWTS' Is A 'Full Circle' Moment
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The professional dancer and actress can't wait to return to the ballroom -- this time as host.

"Well, honestly, it's full circle being able to come back from being a dancer to a judge and now co-hosting with Alfonso," Hough told ET. "It's amazing. Honestly, it's just family again. I'm just excited. I can't wait to see everybody back on the dance floor and get our groove on."

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Shortly after the news broke, the "Dancing With the Stars" pro spoke out, expressing her excitement to be the new host of the ABC reality competition show. "It is such an honor to be rejoining 'Dancing with the Stars' as co-host," Hough told Variety when the news broke. "The show holds such a special place in my heart from the many years and different roles I have had the privilege of being a part of. My family has been the incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night for the past 17 years. I am so excited to reunite with Alfonso, Carrie Ann, Bruno, Derek, the unbelievably talented pros, and the amazing cast on the dance floor."

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Alfonso Ribeiro Says He Can't-Wait For Julianne Hough To Join 'DWTS'

Alfonso Ribeiro Can't Wait For Julianne Hough To Join
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Although Julianne Hough is set to replace Tyra Banks on the reality competition show, ABC has confirmed that Alfonso Ribeiro will return as co-host.

Now that the news has sunk in, the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star is speaking out on the decision, expressing his excitement.

"I think we are gonna be incredible together," the 51-year-old told the outlet. "I think even from hanging out and talking and feeling our energy together, we both see the show the same way, and we wanna make it family again. Make it just warm, and everybody has a great time."

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"Her knowledge of the dance and being able to be in the skybox and all of that is gonna be fantastic," he continued. "And I'm just going to have fun on the floor with Derek [Hough] and all of the other judges and our contestants. Let's have some fun. I think people are going to enjoy this season."

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Derek Hough Comments On His Sister Joining The Show

Derek Hough Comments On His Sister Joining The Show
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Last month, Julianne Hough's brother Derek Hough spoke out about how he can't wait for the family to be back in the ballroom together.

"You know, it makes sense," Hough told ET then. "I mean, Julianne is an alum, you know. She's won the show twice. She's part of the family; you know what I mean? And so when I heard the news too, I was like, 'That makes sense.'"

"Dancing with the Stars" will return to Disney+ in the fall.

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