Dancing With the Stars could be without one of its key personalities, but a beloved alum is returning at the same time. The show is bringing back former pro, Derek Hough, in an undisclosed role. At the same time, Len Goodman, the show’s head judge, could be out of the ballroom due to the coronavirus pandemic. As new host, Tyra Banks told Entertainment Tonight, “At the moment, we’re trying to figure out how to incorporate Len Goodman because he is in England and there’s all these travel restrictions because of COVID-19. So we’re trying to figure that out.”
This quote from Banks and the timing of Hough’s return k has fans speculating. Hough, who competed on 17 seasons of DWTS, is an established veteran who could easily fit in on the judges’ panel. Could Hough be stepping into Goodman’s shoes? Scroll through to read what DWTS fans think.
Videos by PopCulture.com
Is he replacing Len? 😱 https://t.co/n249ffrmOh
— Anna (@DWTSBellas) September 2, 2020
Did Tyra get rid of Len??? #dwts29 https://t.co/NzzZTgJc2f
— DWTSGossip (@DWTSGossip) September 2, 2020
If Derek really is replacing Len, I will be so happy 🥳💜
— Anna (@DWTSBellas) September 4, 2020
Maybe DWTS couldn’t get Len and that’s why Derek is back 🤩
— Thomas Steven 🍀 (@thomassteven00) September 2, 2020
Derek stealing Len’s job
— sarah ♡ (@lnelyweeknds) September 5, 2020
pic.twitter.com/pReJtVf949
IF DEREK’S REPLACING LEN I’LL NEVER ASK FOR ANYTHING EVER AGAIN https://t.co/iNclV4wNs8
— sam (@berstcns) September 2, 2020
i really just think derek is replacing len 😭 len ain’t coming back, the time between la and england is just not feasible to work with consistently for over 3 months through a little ass computer screen
— 🥰 (@dayleysjafael) September 4, 2020
That’s what I’m thinking!
— Michelle (@dancermichelle8) September 2, 2020
WE REALLY MIGHT BE GETTING RID OF LEN AND GETTING DEREK AS A REPLACEMENT WHAT IS HAPPENING
— muna | #1 tberj stan (@chigvintsen) September 2, 2020
More Reality
-
Photo by Ser Baffo/Disney via Getty Images) -
Photo by Paula Lobo/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images -
Mel B at the "America's Got Talent" Season 21 Red Carpet held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 24, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty Images) -
“Reverse the Curse” – Back from tribal, tensions rise following the exit of a particularly historic player. The final five immunity challenge ends in a showdown and features one of the closest finishes the show has ever seen. Jeff reveals the outcomes of the remaining in-game fan votes and how they impact the final stage of the competition. Then, one castaway will be crowned Sole Survivor and awarded the $2 million prize, during the three-hour live season finale, on SURVIVOR 50, Wednesday, May 20 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Jeff Probst serves as host and executive producer. Pictured: Aubry Bracco Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -
“A Side Dish of Chaos” – One castaway comes clean to the tribe about a previously deceptive move. The crowd favorite SURVIVOR auction returns, with an extra special season 50 spin. Chaos ensues when social media icon MrBeast arrives on the scene, on SURVIVOR 50, Wednesday, April 29 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 28: West Wilson, Amanda Batula and Jesse Solomon attend Bravo's "Summer House" Season 10 at 92NY on January 28, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
