"He Would Be a Gentleman": Derek Hough Reveals 'Love on the Spectrum' Star Is Dream ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Contestant

Dancing With the Stars has captivated the world’s attention for two decades now. From athletes like Laurie Hernandez and Kristi Yamaguchi to reality stars like Hannah Brown and Joey Graziadei, young actors like Zendaya and Xochitl Gomez to ‘90s icons like Nick Carter and Mel B, the show has allowed celebrities to push themselves to their limits and show the world what they can do on the dance floor. It’s no secret that the show is intense, with massive amounts of training going into making every performance perfect. But beyond the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a challenge, there’s also a passionate and eager fanbase cheering the contestants on that help make it all worth it — and seasoned professionals who help teach and encourage the contestants every step of the way.

The most decorated pro with six Mirror Ball Trophies is Derek Hough, who retired from being a pro after Season 23 but has been acting as a judge since Season 29. And boy, does he make for a great one. Direct and technical while still being kind and empowering with his feedback, Hough makes for an excellent judge. Gleb Savchenko has even compared his style to the late, great Len Goodman. With his involvement, Season 34 — which premieres later this year and recently announced Robert Irwin as its first contestant — is sure to be one to remember.

Derek Hough Reveals the Hardest Thing About Being a ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Judge

DEREK HOUGH: Honestly, just being part of the show in any way is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s such a special show. 20 years is insane to say about anything, but the fact that we're still in our prime is amazing, and it's a testament to what the show is and what it represents — pure family entertainment. We're fortunate. Being on the show for 17 seasons as a pro and having the experience on the show and now being a judge? I can’t ask for more.

HOUGH: I think I definitely have a lot of compassion for what goes into the rehearsal process and everything. Maybe too much compassion sometimes, honestly — maybe I'm sometimes too nice. I can definitely channel my inner critic a little bit more. But I do just have a lot of empathy and passion for what goes into it. It's tough. It's hard. Anybody who steps on that floor, I automatically have the utmost respect for.

HOUGH: Some of the performances that are so special to me personally are those I've shared with my wife in this past season — doing that duet together, the return to the floor. The duet I did with Mark Ballas, the Argentine Tango, was really special. But also Bindi Irwin, Jennifer Grey, Nicole Scherzinger, Amber Riley, Amy Purdy — anything from those seasons when I danced among those partners is so special.

HOUGH: You know what? I am such a fan of Love on the Spectrum, and I would love to see Connor on there, man. He would be a gentleman, and I would love that. I just love him so much.