Derek Hough knew Mark Ballas was ‘ready to rock’ on ‘DWTS’ after tango

Amidst the season 34 cast list for Dancing With the Stars, there was a surprising name on the pro side of the ballroom.

Mark Ballas, who previously won the show three times, retired from his career as a pro in the DWTS ballroom after his Mirrorball Trophy-winning run with Charli D’Amelio in season 31. Following the conclusion of the DTWS tour in March 2023, Ballas formally announced his retirement to the audience.

“I’ve done 20 seasons now,” said Ballas at the time, according to E!. “I started this journey when I was 21, 22 and honestly being able to dance and perform for you fans — you guys are the best fans. I just want to finish this by saying that this will be the last time you see me dance in this capacity. I’m coming to a close tonight. This is going to be my last dance.”

But Ballas has decided to test out some fancy footwork once more and is returning for season 34, partnered with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt.

For longtime pal Derek Hough, who is returning to season 34 in his post as a judge, the decision to un-retire wasn’t at all a surprise — particularly after the two danced a tango together in season 33.

“He was ready to rock,” Hough says of Ballas’ energy during the dance. “We did the tango, and I think he was like, ‘Oh yeah, I still got some dance in me, man. Let’s do this.'”

Hough also noted that Ballas is in a different place in his life right now than he was two years ago when he hung up his dancing shoes. “He just did The Traitors and his son is two years old, and he’s got this burst of energy,” says Hough. “He was like, ‘Man, I feel good. I feel strong, I feel healthy. I can do this. I’m ready to rock and roll.'”

Ballas isn’t the only competitor that Hough shares a special connection with in season 34. Celebrity contestant Robert Irwin is the younger brother of Bindi Irwin, with whom Hough won the Mirrorball Trophy in season 21.

“I spoke to him and I was like, ‘Do you have this in you?'” Hough quips. “No, I’m just kidding. He was so sweet. He was like, ‘Man, listen, you and Bindi are my inspirations, and I remember watching you and just being like, Man, I want to do that one day, and here I am.'”

Still, that doesn’t mean Hough will being playing favorites with the young conservationist. “I said, ‘Listen, when I’m in that seat, I’m not Uncle Derek, I’m Judge Derek,'” Hough explains. “But this is going to be such a great cast.”

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“[Robert’s] father, [Steve Irwin], was such a huge inspiration of mine growing up,” Hough adds. “So, to dance with his daughter and to mentor her, to guide her through that experience, and now, to see his son grow into the man that he is today, it’s really beautiful. Their story is really beautiful.”

Hough will have his plate full this season. He’s also stepping into a new role as host of Hollywood news show Extra. His first episode premiered on Monday. His sister, Julianne, who was also a pro dancer on Dancing With the Stars, is now the cohost of DWTS alongside Alfonso Ribeiro. Still, Hough says he hasn’t asked for sibling advice, though he has welcomed her support.

“She’s like, ‘I think Extra Derek is going to be my new favorite era, man,” he says. “It’s a vibe.”

Dancing With the Stars season 34 premieres Sept. 16 on ABC and Disney+.