The Hough Dynasty: 7 Shocking New Career Moves & Personal Milestones For Derek And Julianne Hough (2024-2026)

The Hough siblings, Derek and Julianne Hough, are arguably the most influential professional dancers in modern entertainment, but their careers have recently exploded far beyond the ballroom. As of December 12, 2025, both stars are dominating the television landscape with massive new hosting roles, headline-grabbing personal updates, and ambitious live tours that solidify their status as industry polymaths. This deep dive into the Hough dynasty reveals the most current and surprising moves the brother-sister duo is making from late 2024 through 2026, proving they are masters of reinvention and perpetual motion. The Hough name, synonymous with record-breaking achievements on *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), is now attached to major network specials, syndicated entertainment news, and sold-out live performances. The sheer volume of their recent projects—both together and separately—demonstrates a calculated effort to build a media empire that transcends their origins as ballroom champions, making their current trajectory one of the most compelling stories in Hollywood.

The Definitive Biography and Profile of Derek and Julianne Hough

The Hough family name is rooted in Utah, where their passion for dance took hold at a young age. Their professional journey began in earnest when they moved to London to study at the renowned Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. This foundation in diverse dance styles, acting, and singing set the stage for their global takeover.

Derek Hough: The Six-Time DWTS Champion and Emmy King

• Full Name: Derek Bruce Hough
• Born: May 17, 1985 (Age 40, as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
• Occupations: Dancer, Choreographer, Actor, Singer, Television Judge, Author, Host.
• DWTS Tenure: Professional Dancer (Seasons 5–17, 20–21, 23); Judge (Season 29–Present).
• DWTS Wins: A record six times with celebrity partners including Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley, and Bindi Irwin.
• Awards: Multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography.
• Spouse: Hayley Erbert (m. 2023).
• Notable Projects: *Hairspray Live!*, *Nashville*, *Symphony of Dance Tour*, *Move Live on Tour*.

Julianne Hough: The DWTS Pro-Turned-Co-Host and Multi-Talent Star

• Full Name: Julianne Alexandra Hough
• Born: July 20, 1988 (Age 37, as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Orem, Utah, U.S.
• Occupations: Dancer, Singer, Actress, Television Personality, Host.
• DWTS Tenure: Professional Dancer (Seasons 4–8); Judge (Seasons 19–24); Co-Host (Season 32–Present).
• DWTS Wins: Two times with celebrity partners Apolo Anton Ohno and Hélio Castroneves.
• Notable Films/TV: *Footloose*, *Safe Haven*, *Grease: Live*, *America's Got Talent* (Judge).
• Music Career: Signed to Mercury Nashville Records; Self-titled debut album peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

The 2024–2026 Career Explosions: New Roles and High-Profile Reunions

The period from late 2024 into 2026 marks a significant pivot for both Derek and Julianne Hough, seeing them take on major new roles that cement their status as versatile media personalities. The key to their current success lies in their strategic move from competition to hosting and judging, which offers long-term career stability and broader audience reach.

1. Julianne Hough’s Return to DWTS as Co-Host (Seasons 33 & 34)

Julianne Hough officially stepped into the role of co-host for *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS) alongside Alfonso Ribeiro, starting with Season 32. This move, which was confirmed for both Season 33 (2024) and Season 34 (2025), was a massive headline, as it brought her back to the show where she first rose to fame. Her transition from professional dancer and judge to co-host was seamless, leveraging her deep knowledge of ballroom technique and her natural on-screen charisma to guide the competition. This high-profile position keeps her at the epicenter of network television's most popular dance competition.

2. Derek Hough Named New Host of Extra (Late 2025)

In a surprising move that broadens his career beyond dance, Derek Hough was named the new host of the syndicated entertainment news show *Extra* in late 2025. This role is a major step, positioning him to cover the entire spectrum of Hollywood news, from red carpets to celebrity interviews. It’s a clear indication of his ambition to become a mainstream television personality, following in the footsteps of previous DWTS stars who have successfully transitioned to hosting. The new gig is running concurrently with his judging duties on DWTS, making his schedule one of the busiest in the industry.

3. The Exes Reunite: Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest Co-Host New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026

One of the most talked-about updates for Julianne Hough is her role as a co-host for *Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026*. Julianne is anchoring the celebrations from Las Vegas, while Seacrest remains in Times Square. The curiosity factor is immense, as the two were a high-profile couple who dated from 2010 to 2013. The reunion of the ex-flames on one of the biggest nights in television is a brilliant PR move that is sure to draw massive viewership and speculation about their dynamic.

Derek Hough’s Family Life and Ambitious Tour Plans

While Julianne is making waves on the small screen, Derek’s life is defined by a beautiful blend of personal milestones and relentless touring, often with his wife, fellow professional dancer Hayley Erbert.

4. Marriage to Hayley Erbert and the Baby Announcement

Derek Hough married his long-time partner, professional dancer Hayley Erbert, in a stunning ceremony in August 2023. The couple, who met when Erbert joined the *Move Live on Tour* in 2014, have been inseparable partners both on and off the stage. The latest, most heartwarming news is their announcement that they are expecting their first baby, adding a new dimension to their already busy lives.

5. The 'Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays' Tour (Late 2024)

Showing no signs of slowing down, Derek launched his all-new, 40-city *Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays* tour in November 2024. This festive-themed show followed the success of his previous non-holiday tours and demonstrates his commitment to bringing high-quality, live dance entertainment to fans across North America. The show features a mix of ballroom, Latin, and contemporary choreography, highlighting his incredible versatility and Emmy-winning talent.

6. Planning to Tour with a Baby: The 'Symphony of Dance: Encore' (2026)

Perhaps the most ambitious project is the planning for his 2026 *Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore* tour. In an exclusive update, Derek revealed that he and his wife Hayley, who is expected to give birth before the tour, plan to bring their baby along for the 40-show North American experience. This commitment to balancing a demanding professional schedule with new family life has sparked a lot of discussion among fans and fellow entertainers about the logistics of "tour life with a baby."

7. The Hough Siblings’ Continued Collaboration (Future Projects)

While their 2024-2026 schedules show strong individual trajectories, the bond between Derek and Julianne remains a cornerstone of their brand. Their history of successful collaborations, including the *Move Live on Tour* and numerous DWTS performances, suggests that future joint projects are always on the horizon. Fans are constantly speculating about a potential new movie musical, a joint album, or a return to Broadway, which would allow them to combine their talents in dancing, singing, and acting. Their combined star power and topical authority in the dance world ensure that any joint announcement would immediately become a major entertainment news event. Their continued presence on DWTS, albeit in different roles (Judge and Co-Host), keeps the Hough name front and center in the world of competitive dance.