As Derek Hough prepares to welcome his first child with wife Hayley Erbert, fans are reminiscing about his iconic Dancing With The Stars partnership with Bindi Irwin. The duo’s chemistry and memorable performances, including their Season 21 win, remain fan favorites.
Now, with Hough stepping into fatherhood, speculation grows about whether he’ll return to DWTS as a judge. Bindi herself recently praised him, saying he’ll be “the most wonderful dad”, adding to the excitement around his next chapter.
- Bindi Irwin praises former DWTS partner Derek Hough, calling him “the most wonderful dad” as he prepares for fatherhood with wife Hayley Erbert.
- Fans speculate if Hough will return as a DWTS judge after welcoming his first child, given his close bond with Irwin and continued involvement in the show.
- Irwin humorously recalls a memorable Dancing with the Stars mishap with Hough during their winning 2015 season, showcasing their enduring friendship.
Community Reactions
- 匿名クルトン (2025-10-29)Bindi’s DWTS win was a fluke. Derek carried her. Fight me. - 匿名マッシュルーム (2025-10-29)Tell me you didn’t watch the season without telling me. Bindi was a machine. 
- 匿名ベーコン (2025-10-29)Nah, the judges inflated her scores. Rumer Belli was robbed. 
 
- 匿名マッシュルーム (2025-10-29)
- 匿名キュウリ (2025-10-29)Everyone’s gushing, but imagine the sleep deprivation. Good luck judging after 3 AM diaper changes. 😴 
- 匿名マッシュルーム (2025-10-29)The Irwin-Hough DWTS era was peak entertainment. Robert joining now? Nostalgia overload. Hope Derek guest-judges! - 匿名チキン (2025-10-29)Only if he brings back the same energy as Season 21. No watered-down dad vibes. 
 
- 匿名チキン (2025-10-29)
Will Derek Hough Return as a Judge on DWTS After Becoming a Dad?
Derek Hough, the renowned dancer and Dancing with the Stars judge, has recently announced that he and his wife, Hayley Erbert, are expecting their first child. As fans celebrate this exciting news, many are wondering how fatherhood will impact his career, particularly his role on DWTS. Hough has been a staple of the show for years, first as a professional dancer and later as a judge. His charisma, expertise, and dedication have made him a fan favorite.
In the past, Hough has balanced his personal and professional life seamlessly. However, becoming a father is a significant life change that could influence his priorities. Some speculate that he might reduce his workload or take a temporary break to focus on his family. On the other hand, Hough has expressed his love for the show and its community, suggesting that he might continue his role with renewed energy.




Ultimately, only time will tell how Hough navigates this new chapter. Fans will undoubtedly support whatever decision he makes, whether he decides to stay on the show or take a step back.
Bindi Irwin’s Heartwarming Words About Derek Hough
Bindi Irwin, who won Season 21 of Dancing with the Stars alongside Derek Hough, recently shared her thoughts on his impending fatherhood. She described him as someone who will be “the most wonderful dad,” highlighting his kindness, patience, and ability to connect with others. Irwin and Hough’s partnership was a memorable one, marked by their chemistry and unforgettable performances.
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Irwin’s words reflect the deep bond they formed during their time on the show. Their rehearsals were filled with laughter, hard work, and mutual respect. Irwin also recalled a hilarious mishap during one of their performances, where they had to improvise after a prop malfunction. This quick thinking and teamwork showcased their professionalism and chemistry.






How Will Fatherhood Change Derek Hough’s Approach on DWTS?
As Derek Hough prepares to welcome his first child, fans are curious about how fatherhood might influence his approach to Dancing with the Stars. Hough has always been known for his high-energy performances and constructive criticism as a judge. With a baby on the way, he might bring a softer, more empathetic perspective to the show.
Fatherhood often changes people in profound ways, teaching patience, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for life’s milestones. Hough could channel these lessons into his judging, focusing on the emotional storytelling aspect of dance. Additionally, he might become more relatable to contestants who are also parents, offering advice on balancing family and career.






Derek Hough’s Most Memorable Moments with Bindi Irwin
Derek Hough and Bindi Irwin’s partnership on Dancing with the Stars was nothing short of iconic. From their perfect-scoring Argentine Tango to their heartfelt Contemporary routine, they delivered performances that left a lasting impression on viewers. One of their most memorable moments was their Freestyle, which paid tribute to Irwin’s late father, Steve Irwin.


Their chemistry both on and off the dance floor was evident. Hough often spoke about how inspired he was by Irwin’s positivity and dedication. Irwin, in turn, praised Hough for his ability to push her out of her comfort zone while making the experience enjoyable. Their partnership was a perfect blend of hard work, creativity, and mutual respect.






What’s Next for Derek Hough After Becoming a Dad?
As Derek Hough prepares for fatherhood, fans are eager to know what’s next for the multi-talented star. While he’s best known for his work on Dancing with the Stars, Hough has also ventured into acting, producing, and even writing. His versatility and passion for the arts suggest that he’ll continue to explore new opportunities.
Some speculate that Hough might take on projects that align with his new role as a father, such as family-friendly productions or initiatives that support parents and children. Additionally, he could use his platform to advocate for causes close to his heart, such as mental health or work-life balance.







Derek Hough has been killing it since his DWTS days—winning with Bindi, judging, and now becoming a dad? Legend status confirmed. 👏
Seriously, the man’s got range. From cha-cha to fatherhood—what can’t he do?
But let’s not forget his cringey acting phase. Dancing’s his thing, not Hollywood.
Bindi’s praise is sweet, but let’s be real—Derek’s judge critiques are hit or miss. Baby brain might make them worse.
The Irwin-Hough DWTS era was peak entertainment. Robert joining now? Nostalgia overload. Hope Derek guest-judges!
Only if he brings back the same energy as Season 21. No watered-down dad vibes.
Everyone’s gushing, but imagine the sleep deprivation. Good luck judging after 3 AM diaper changes. 😴
Bindi’s DWTS win was a fluke. Derek carried her. Fight me.
Tell me you didn’t watch the season without telling me. Bindi was a machine.
Nah, the judges inflated her scores. Rumer Belli was robbed.