‘Dancing with the Stars’ 17: Kym Johnson to miss season for opportunity overseas

We now officially have our first professional dancer out for the upcoming “Dancing with the Stars” season, and it is someone who longtime fans of the show are rather familiar with: Kym Johnson. With one exception, she has been a part of the show since season 3, and performed with a wide array of people including Jerry Springer, Ingo Rademacher, Warren Sapp, Penn Jillette, Jaleel White, and Joey Fatone. She has also won the show on two occasions with Donny Osmond along with Hines Ward, and came to the show from the Australian version.

In explaining the reason for the move, Johnson tells Us Weekly that it really just has to do with her trying something different for the season, rather than just continuing to do the same old thing that she has for over half a decade now:

“I will be taking the next season off from DWTS USA, so that I may accept an amazing work opportunity back home in Australia. I am excited, nervous and humbled by this chance and look forward to sharing more about it with you soon.”

Now we should make it clear that Kym has not be any means declared herself gone for good, and if they will consider bringing back Maksim “this is my show” Chmerkovskiy, the she will always be welcomed back with open arms.

The cast for “Dancing with the Stars” will be announced on September 4, and so far, there have been no leaks at all. We don’t expect enormous names, given the show’s recent track record of Z-list casts, and there being even less incentive to sign on given that the show is now one night a week and it is even less publicity.

The 17th installment of the series premieres on Monday, September 23.

Photo: ABC