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The dance competition took a longer break than usual this year. Now Dancing with the Stars is back and someone new will be hosting. Another big change is Len Goodman will probably not sit with the rest of the judges to give his feedback.

Derek Hough is returning to ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Many professional dancers are turning to the show this year. Sharna Burgess, Cheryl Burke, Artem Chigvintsev, Peta Murgatroyd have returned to compete.

It’s also been teased Derek Hough will be returning but it’s unclear what his role will be. Some fans have wondered if he’ll actually be replacing Goodman.

Hough has previously competed on 17 seasons of the show. He won six times. The dancer has more recently been a judge on World of Dance.

His role on Dancing with the Stars will be confirmed on Sept. 8. But this isn’t the first time fans have wondered if someone is getting replaced this season.

The hosts are changing but the judges are staying the same

Fans were shocked to find out about the big casting change for season 29. Banks will be the show’s sole host instead of Erin Andrews and Tom Bergeron.

“Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me. It’s been an incredible 15-year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I’m grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?” Bergeron tweeted on July 13.

“I’ve been a fan of DWTS since its beginning … The fun mixed with raw emotion, seeing celebrities push past their comfort zones, the sizzling dance performances … it’s always transported me to my days of turning it up 10 notches on the catwalk,” Banks said in a news release, according to CNN.

This called into question if the judges will also be changed for the new season. Carrie Ann Inaba addressed this on The Talk.

“I feel like it was just such sudden news,” she said. “My heart breaks for Tom and Erin.” She later said, “As of now, that is the plan” when asked if the same judges will be returning.

Len Goodman might be affected by travel restrictions

Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli on 'Dancing with the Stars'
Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images
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It looks like Goodman might have to judge performances virtually. Banks explained how producers are still trying to figure out how to include him.

“Carrie Ann is definitely back, and Bruno, who I can’t wait to vibe with because he is just as crazy as I am,” Banks told Entertainment Tonight. “At the moment, we’re trying to figure out how to incorporate Len Goodman because he is in England and there’s all these travel restrictions because of COVID-19. So we’re trying to figure that out.”

Soon fans will figure out the producers’ plan for Goodman and how Hough fits into the season. The new season will premiere will premiere at 8 p.m. EST on September 14 on ABC.

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