Derek Hough will be returning for the next season of Dancing with the Stars, and though he has yet to find out whom he’ll be partnering up with this time around, he does have an idea of whom he’d like to see compete for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy.
“I wouldn’t dance with him obviously because he’s a dude,” Hough told EW at the red carpet for the 2015 Industry Dance Awards and Cancer Benefit Show in Hollywood on Wednesday, “but The Rock would be funny. Or Kevin Hart would be awesome to watch.“
It was announced earlier this week Hough would return to the competition, as news of Len Goodman’s official departure from the judges’ table this season made the rounds.
According to showrunner Rob Wade, Goodman is stepping down “due to his schedule as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing in the U.K. and the birth of his new grandson.” Hough said while he’ll miss the longtime judge, he’s looking forward to having him around this season.
“Well, he’ll be here this season. He’ll be here,” Hough said. “He’ll be in and out. But it’s the 21st season on top of doing 15 seasons in England simultaneously so he’s a champion man. He’s our guy. I love him. I love Len and I’ll miss him but he’s not going just yet. He ain’t going just yet.”
But with Goodman stepping away, would Hough – like his sister, Julianne – ever consider filling a judges’ role?
“I don’t know. Not on our show. For me, I give her such credit because being a judge is an interesting role because it’s not the most popular role to be in because people disagree with you and all these things happen,” Hough said. “So you have to really be comfortable with what you say. For me I’d be like, ‘Everybody is amazing! I love you all! Candy for all! Just keep going!’ I don’t know. I would be too antsy behind a desk. I would want to get out there and move and dance. I think I’ve still got a lot more in me. So, no plans on slowing down right now.”
Dancing with the Stars returns Sept. 14 on ABC.
•Reporting by ABBY STERN
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