How Derek Hough’s COVID Diagnosis Affects ‘DWTS’ Season Finale
Derek Hough has announced to Dancing with the Stars viewers via Instagram that he has contracted a breakthrough case of coronavirus (COVID-19). He revealed details regarding his health and the status of his final week of shows in Las Vegas. However, he did not address how this would affect his participation in the season finale, which airs on Nov. 22. How will Hough’s health issues affect the finale? Will he be able to participate?
Derek Hough shared he contracted COVID-19
Hough addressed his followers in a video posted to Instagram on Nov. 16. He told his followers, “I wanted you to hear it straight from me,” Derek said in the clip. “Even though I’ve been fully vaccinated, I’ve just been diagnosed with a breakthrough case of COVID.
“I feel strong, but I’m currently taking advice from medical professionals and doing everything I can to get better as fast as I can. I’m currently in quarantine, and I’ll make sure I keep you guys all updated with what’s going on. I just wanted to send a lot of love out there to all.”
Hough sat alongside his fellow ‘DWTS’ judges one night prior
Just one night prior, Hough sat alongside his fellow Dancing with the Stars judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli as they judged the seasons’ semifinals.
That evening, Hough claimed he felt fine.
In a statement to People Magazine, the show explained that there are strict COVID-19 protocols on the set of DWTS. These include masks, frequent testing, and a “pod system” for hair and makeup.
Also, if anyone on the show tests positive for the virus, they must quarantine per CDC guidelines. Hough said he was following those guidelines in his video.
What does this mean for Hough’s participation in the ‘DWTS’ season finale?
Per a story published by E! Entertainment Television, Hough will be physically missing from the ballroom for the season finale.
In October, Hough sat out an episode of the dancing competition due to possible exposure to the virus.
“Due to potential COVID exposure and an abundance of caution, Derek has elected to sit out this taping of DWTS, representatives for the ABC dancing competition said in a statement.
While the series has not commented further on how this will affect Hough’s participation in the last show of DWTS 30th season, he may likely take a page from how the show dealt with pro-Cheryl Burke and Cody Rigsby’s COVID-19 cases earlier in the season.
Even if Hough did not participate the contestants would be scored by the show’s other three judges.
Almost two months ago, both Burke and Rigsby were diagnosed with the virus.
Each quarantined in thier respective homes and participated in the series remotely. Burke and Rigsby danced one number separately from their homes for the show’s night dedicated to the music of Britney Spears.
The Dancing with the Stars season finale airs Monday, Nov. 22, beginning at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
