Derek Hough Just Revealed How He Really Feels About Tyra Banks Leaving ‘Dancing With the Stars’

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Derek Hough is experiencing a lot of changes ahead of judging Dancing With the Stars season 32, and he recently spoke out about one that involves both his sister Julianne Hough and former c0-host Tyra Banks.

In early March, Tyra announced her plans to step down from hosting duties after three seasons on the competition series. Shortly thereafter, it was announced Julianne would replace the supermodel and co-host Dancing With the Stars alongside Alfonso Ribeiro. When Us Weekly asked Derek a month later about his feelings toward the America's Next Top Model star leaving, he gave a candid response about the switch up.

"I wouldn’t say that it was surprising," Derek told the publication in April about Tyra's sudden departure. "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."

That's not all Derek had to say about the subject. He also detailed Tyra's reaction to Julianne stepping in, which he said involved her reaching out to his sister in congratulations.

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

Fans know that Julianne's new gig isn't the first role she has had on Dancing With the Stars. She made her professional dancing debut in season 4, which she won with Apolo Ohno. The newcomer would go on to win season 5 with Hélio Castroneves. She then exited in season 8 before coming back to the series in 2014 as a judge for five seasons.

Julianne taking over for Tyra isn't the only change folks will see come the fall. Derek also revealed to Us Magazine that the judges' panel will only feature him, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli after the departure and death of late dancing pro Len Goodman.

As far as what Derek thinks of Julianne rejoining him in the ballroom, he's thrilled to see her back on the longtime series. "We hosted Disney specials together and she’s fantastic," he explained to the outlet. "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 [Dancing With the Stars] family."

He concluded: "I think that [Julianne and Alfonso's] chemistry, their knowledge, their familiarity, and also just the family aspect of the show … you’re gonna really feel that. So, it’s great."

Well, if Derek's excited by the prospect, that only makes us more ready to see what's to come in season 32.

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