‘Dancing with the Stars’ 17: Derek Hough to return after Kellie Pickler win

While it may not come as much of a surprise to some of you to hear that Derek Hough is planning a return to “Dancing with the Stars” for the show’s upcoming 17th season this fall, there was at one point a little bit of doubt. The show has not been a ratings warrior in the 18-49 demographic as of late, and given that Derek almost didn’t sign up for the spring season (one that featured Kellie Pickler taking home the title), there was some speculation that maybe we would not be seeing him again.

However, we can confirm now that the time for such speculation is over! Speaking to “Access Hollywood,” Derek confirmed that he will be bringing his winning ways back to the show once again this fall:

“Yes [I’m back, and] the format’s changing. We’ve got one show a week now, but I think it’ll make a better show, more jam packed. And so I’m excited about it.”

We wish we could agree with Derek that the format change would help the show, but while it could potentially ease some of the workload on the cast and the professionals, the ratings after “So You Think You Can Dance” changed its format are not a great indicator. It also means less airtime for celebrities, and possibly not the same sort of talent pool eager to sign up for the show.

It will probably be a good few weeks before we know the cast for the next season will be, but stayed tuned: We’ll have more news when it becomes available.

Are you still excited about “Dancing with the Stars” following the format change, or have you even thought about it as of late? If you want to read some more news that related to the series, be sure to just head on over to the link here.

Photo: ABC