EXCLUSIVE: Julianne and Derek Hough Open Up About Returning to 'Dancing With the Stars': 'It Should Be Fun'
Another familiar face is coming back for the next season of Dancing With the Stars!
Julianne Hough confirmed to ET that she’ll be returning to the ballroom in the upcoming season at the Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles on Sunday.
"I’m not going to be dancing, but I can finally announce that I am coming back on to judge," the 28-year-old actress told ET's Denny Directo. "I’m excited."
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The Grease: Live star took off season 22 to work on the hit Fox musical event, and it paid off. The production netted 10 Emmy nominations and brought Julianne some meaningful friendships.
"Not only was it such a monumental thing for us to accomplish, but I mean the friendships are lifelong," she explained "It's incredible."
However, it seems she couldn't stay away from the DWTS studio forever. Julianne joins her brother Derek, who is also returning to the show as a pro dancer after a season-long hiatus.
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Like his sister, Derek will soon be taking part in a live TV musical. The 31-year-old performer is set to star in NBC's Hairspray Live!, but he plans on sticking with DWTS while rehearsing.
"I'll be doing Dancing With the Stars and Hairspray at the same time and going back and forth, so it should be fun," Derek told ET at the Creative Arts Emmys.
While it will be difficult, Derek said his sister's experience with acting in a live TV musical is what convinced him to take on the challenge.
"She loved the experience so much and so, for me, seeing that really encouraged me to take that role," Derek explained.
WATCH: Derek Hough Says Julianne's 'Grease' Performance 'Raised the Bar' for TV Musicals
Another role Derek recently took on was the lead in Singin' in the Rain on Broadway. However, it appears that he'll have to wait a while before that kicks off, as the production is currently on hold.
"I'm not sure what exactly is going to be happening, but it's definitely in my future," Derek said.
While Derek might be waiting a while to hit the Broadway stage, fellow DWTS pro Mark Ballas is headed to New York City soon to star in the final months of Jersey Boys.
The dancer, who is skipping Season 23 of DWTS, recently spoke with ET about getting the chance to play the final Frankie Valli in the celebrated production. Check out Ballas' exclusive interview below.
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