Julianne Hough is putting her dancing shoes back on! She has signed on to co-host the 32nd Season of Dancing with the Stars, replacing Tyra Banks. The Harry Potter actress is set to join Alfonso Ribeiro, who will serve as the franchise’s emcee.
The news comes on the heels of Tyra Banks’ departure from the show after three seasons.
On Thursday, TMZ caught up with the wealthy supermodel, who made the surprising revelation.
Julianne Hough is set to replace Tyra Banks as Dancing with the Stars Season 32 co-host (Credit: DDP / INSTARimages / Cover Images / FAYES VISION / startraksphoto)
“I feel it’s really time for me to focus on my business and my entrepreneurship, and also producing more TV – but behind the scenes. So, I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor, from the ballroom to the boardroom.”
When asked to confirm if she’s stepping down from her post, she said, “I think it’s time. I’m an entrepreneur at heart. I think my heart, my soul, is into my business. It’s also into producing new TV, which we’re working on. But I really, really want to focus on my business, and you can’t do that hosting a show.”
Tyra Banks is leaving Dancing with the Stars to focus on her business (Credit: Erik Nielsen / Media Punch / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Julianne Hough isn’t new to DWTS. In fact, she rose to fame when she joined the program as a professional dancer in 2007, winning her first two seasons with her celebrity partners before leaving in 2009.
Five years later, in 2014, the POTUS musical star returned to DWTS as one of the critics behind the judges’ table, a role she held until 2017.
This season, the 34-year-old actress will take over Ribeiro’s previous role, interviewing the dancers following their performances in the Celebraquarium.
Julianne Hough, former Dancing with the Stars professional dancer and judge, will return to co-host the 32nd season of the dance competition series (Credit: INFphoto)
“It’s 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. The incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night has been my family for the past 17 years,” she said in a statement to Variety.
Julianne added she’s excited to reunite with Alfonso, as well as returning judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and her brother Derek Hough, describing them as “the unbelievably talented pros, and the amazing cast on the dance floor.”
“The energy is magnetic every time you step foot into the ballroom, and I can’t wait to feel it again – and, of course, to share it all with the absolute best and most loyal fans – for another exciting season.”
Dancing with the Stars Season 32 is scheduled to premiere in September on Disney+.
Derek Hough and sister Julianne Hough perform MOVE at Hard Rock Live held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on June 13, 2014 (Credit: INFphoto)
Before she was named as Tyra Banks’ replacement, Julianne Hough was pictured attending the Women’s Cancer Research Fund’s Unforgettable Evening Benefit Gala held at Beverly Wilshire on Friday.
The former America’s Got Talent judge looked sensational in a black cutout dress showcasing her sculpted abs and dancer’s legs.
Julianne Hough attends the Women’s Cancer Research Fund’s Unforgettable Evening Benefit Gala held at Beverly Wilshire on March 17, 2023 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Hailing from Saint Laurent’s Spring 2022 collection, the gorgeous piece was cut in Italy from smooth black satin and featured an asymmetric one-shoulder silhouette, a single sleeve, and a cutout waist.
The floor-length number also had a ruched, draped skirt with a risqué high slit, finished with a bow.
Julianne stuck to the all-black theme of the look by carrying her evening essentials in a black clutch and slipping her pedicured feet into a pair of open-toe platform sandals.
Julianne Hough showcases her toned abs and dancer’s legs in a black cutout dress by Saint Laurent (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
A few statement rings and hoop earrings rounded out her accessories.
She further glammed up by wearing her hair down in gorgeous waves with face-framing fringe and sporting bold red lip color with complementary blush and mascara.
Julianne Hough styles her hair in gorgeous waves with fringe and wears bold red lipstick for a pop of color (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)