‘Dancing with the Stars’ 20: Julianne Hough, Len Goodman to both return as judges

If there is to be any more sweeping change to “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC, it is seemingly not going to be happening between this past season and the 20th installment, which is coming on the air this spring.

While this was personally suspected by us, executive producer Rob Wade tells TheWrap that both Len Goodman and Julianne Hough are each going to be back on the show as judges for the next season. There may be some scheduling issues here and there with Hough, but she is reportedly under contract.

This time around, Len will be present most likely for every week, given that there is no season of “Strictly Come Dancing” airing in the UK at the same time, as there is during the fall. We feel like eventually, Len will choose to just take an entire fall season off or leave altogether, but this will be explored more after this upcoming season.

In speaking specifically about the entire judging panel, Wade told the website the following:

“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 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.”

Wade also confirmed that Cheryl Burke is in fact leaving the show, which she initially announced many weeks ago. This move gives the show a chance to show off new pros, while Burke can go and enjoy other opportunities.