Julianne Hough was just announced as Tyra Banks’ replacement for Dancing With The Stars season 32. Julianne is no stranger to the ballroom. With two Mirror Ball Trophies under her belt, Julianne was a professional dancer on the show for five seasons. After taking some time away from the show to focus on other business ventures, Julianne later returned to the ballroom as a judge for six seasons. Now, she will once again be making her return to the show
On Friday, March 17 it was announced that Tyra will be stepping away after three seasons of hosting Dancing With The Stars. The show left little time for fans to wonder who would be her replacement, as it was announced on Monday, March 20 that Julianne will be stepping in as the show’s co-host in place of Tyra.
Julianne shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, “It is such an honor to be rejoining ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as co-host.” The former pro dancer continued on to explain that the show “holds such a special place in [her] heart.”
Alfonso Riberio Will Return To Co-Host DWTS Season 32 Alongside Julianne
The official DWTS Instagram account was eager to share the news as well, writing, “We are so excited to welcome @juleshough as co-host of #DWTS Season 32 along with @therealalfonsoribeiro!” Their post also confirmed that season 19 winner Alfonso Riberio will in fact be returning to the ballroom to co-host alongside Julianne for the upcoming season. Alfonso joined Tyra as co-host for season 31 last year. The addition of a co-host was needed when the show made its transition from ABC to Disney+, ultimately eliminating commercial breaks. The show is expected to keep this same format for the upcoming season.
The rest of the DWTS cast is excited about Julianne’s return to the ballroom. Many professional dancers were found in the comments section of both posts welcoming her back to the ballroom with open arms. Emma Slater, Jenna Johnson, Peta Murgatroyd, and Lindsay Arnold were just a few that shared in the excitement. With her return to the ballroom, Julianne will also return to working alongside her brother Derek Hough. Season 32 will be Derek’s third season as a DWTS judge. Derek will be joined by Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli on the judges’ panel. As of writing, it remains unclear whether head judge Len Goodman will be replaced following his retirement at the conclusion of season 31 last fall.
There is no doubt Julianne will make a great addition to the show yet again. Her expertise in ballroom dancing as well as her personal experience competing on the show will make for much better dialogue with the competing couples than that of Tyra’s over the last few years. In addition to this, there is no doubt she will have playful banter with both her brother and her co-host Alfonso which will ultimately add great humor to the show as well. A premiere date for Dancing With The Stars season 32 has yet to be revealed; however, it is expected to air sometime in September 2023.
Source: Julianne Hough/Instagram, Dancing With The Stars/Instagram
