Why Derek Hough Wasn't 'Surprised' That 'DWTS' Let Tyra Banks Go As Host

Julianne Hough will return to the ballroom and replace Tyra Banks as co-host on "Dancing With the Stars".

Alfonso Ribeiro will return as co-host alongside the “Dancing With the Stars” alum, while her brother, Derek Hough, will return to the judges table alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.

Now, her brother and judge of the show, Derek Hough, is speaking out -- admitting he was not "surprised" when the news broke.

Derek Hough, who is excited to have his sister back in the ballroom as new co-host, recently admitted he was not "surprised" when the ABC reality show made their decision to let Tyra Banks go.

“I wouldn’t say that it was surprising,” Hough told Us Weekly. “She’s got a lot on her plate and a lot of things happening in her future. She’s one person that will always work and will always be an entrepreneur and always create opportunities. And she’s a powerhouse.”

He went on to say, “Tyra was just unbelievably gracious — like really, truly, gracious, and I just have to give her absolute props. She just sent Julianne the most beautiful message, and I’m just really grateful to her for her grace.”

Julianne Hough is set to take over as co-host alongside "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" actor Alfonso Ribeiro. Hough has experience aside from being a professional dancer on the show as she was a judge from 2014-2017. She also returned as a guest judge on the show in 2021. She also has experience hosting television shows as for the past few years, her and her brother Derek Hough have hosted the “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” special.

When speaking on his sister taking over as host, Derek Hough has no doubt she is "the right choice".

“She’s a great host,” he continued to say about his sister. “You know, we hosted Disney specials together and she’s fantastic. She also happens to be an amazing dancer and singer and everything else, but … she was part of the show and she knows the show and she’s part of the [DWTS] family.”

Tyra Banks herself has approved Julianne Hough to become the new “Dancing With The Stars” co-host after leaving the reality show. The TV personality and supermodel recently revealed that she was leaving ‘DWTS’ to focus on her entrepreneurship and business interests.

“The businesswoman in me sees how Julianne is great on multiple levels," she told US Weeklyafter the news broke. “She’s a perfect choice! She’s gonna crush it!”

Banks highlighted other qualities about the 34-year-old that make her a good fit. She noted that Hough was a professional dancer and the sibling to the “DWTS” “multi-champion” and “stellar judge,” Derek Hough. While referring to the siblings, Banks said, “It’s going to be a family affair in that ballroom which people will love to watch.”

Shortly after the news broke, Julianne Hough spoke out on her new role with "Dancing With the Stars", saying “It is such an honor to be rejoining ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as co-host. 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,."

She continued, "The incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night has been my family 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.”

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