It has not even been 24 hours since Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars wrapped up and already there is talk about what to expect from Season 20 next spring! The show will actually be celebrating its 10th anniversary, and major plans are underway to switch things up while securing some of the things and players that have worked.
Rob Wade, the show's executive producer, recently talked to The Wrap about Julianne Hough's contribution as a drug this past season and how quickly she managed to gel with the rest of the panel.
"I think the ballroom experience and the dance experience and the star quality and vibrancy that Julianne has brought to the panel has been exceptional. I also think that the way that Carrie Ann [Inaba], Bruno [Tonioli] and Len [Goodman] have embraced her and have individually been so great this season, as well, has been wonderful. I think it shows their character that they can do that. The three of them have been absolutely wonderful in welcoming Julianne in and I think it has been lovely to watch," said Wade.
Hough is expected to return to the panel next spring, as is Goodman, whose previous commitment to the U.K. version of DWTS kept him away for part of Season 19. One person who has been teasing about leaving is professional Cheryl Burke, who has been with the show since its second season. According to Wade, she is really on her way out the door.
"Cheryl has been on the show for close to 10 years. She has done a great service to the show and I think she feels that it's time for her to move on. We'll only survive as a show if we keep innovating and changing. It's very sad to see cast members leave, but again that gives you the opportunity to grow. So I'm quite positive about having the opportunity to bring new people in or bring back some of the old faces," said Wade regarding Burke's departure.
What are your thoughts on Hough's contribution as a judge? Do you think she has fit in well or is it weird to see her on the panel after competing as a professional partner for several years? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
