Derek Hough won't be competing for the Mirror Ball trophy on Season 20 of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." The show returns with all new celebrities - and a few new pro dancers - in March, but Hough won't be lacing up his dancing shoes.
The five-time champion, who danced with YouTuber Bethany Mota on Season 19, decided to take a break from the show so he could focus on other projects, according to People. The 29-year-old revealed that he was cast to play Jack, the male lead, in "New York Spring Spectacular" at Radio City Music Hall.
The seven-week show kicks off in March. Hough's character is given a special mission to help a man named Bernie keep his job as a tour guide in New York City. If Jack succeeds, he'll get an eternal reward. Of course, it won't be that easy for Jack to help his pal Bernie. Jenna (played by "Nashville's" Laura Benanti) threatens to get rid of Bernie's job when she considers taking the tour company "virtual."
"The View' cohost Whoopi Goldberg will voice the Statue of Liberty and Bella Thorne will voice the Alice in Wonderland Statue. Celebrities like Donald Trump, Martha Stewart and Henrik Lundqvist will make cameo appearances.
"I am ecstatic that I'm able to extend my passion for performing to the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall in New York Spring Spectacular," Hough told People magazine. "Performing at Radio City Music Hall in a show that celebrates everything that is beloved about New York City is a dream. I can't wait to show fans this production... it's going to be like nothing they've seen me in before."
Cheryl Burke also announced that she's leaving the show and won't be competing next season. According to People, she's headed over to NBC for a still-untitled reality show. The network hasn't revealed any details about the show but said that Burke will get to perform.
"I never thought I'd be able to walk away," the two-time winner previously told People. "But after a decade or something, it's time for me to move on and try something different, to be challenged, to feel inspired. 'Dancing with the Stars' will always be a part of my life. Dancing is what I've done since I was a little girl. But it was very clear the show only wanted me back as a dancer. They weren't interested in using me for other things and letting me grow."
"My contract was very restrictive on 'Dancing with the Stars' so I couldn't do anything else," Burke added. "I've been waiting to add to my resume now for years."
