Making changes Dancing With the StarsSince its 2005 debut, the ABC dancing competition has enjoyed a lot of success. The ABC dancing competition has seen many newcomers since 2005 and has seen the departure of many OGs.
Julianne HoughShe competed from season 4 to 8 and announced that she would be leaving in 2009 to pursue her other interests. Hough was a successful actress in films such. Safe Haven, Burlesque, Rock of AgesAnd Footloose.
The Utah native returned to the show as a judge in season 19-24. She previously stated that she has never ruled it out.
“Look, never say never because you never know what one day will be from the next,” Hough told Us WeeklyAugust 2019, “But I owe my career to that show! They brought me back when I was 18, and in two different ways. I was a dancer, I was a judge and I’m so happy for everything that’s going on there.”
Another standout was Keo MotsepeHe was the first Black professional dancer to join the show for season 19. Motsepe stayed on the show until 2021, when he announced that he wouldn’t be returning for the upcoming season.
“While it’s disappointing to not be back for season 30, I’ve been honored to be on the last nine seasons of the show and look forward to returning in the future,” he told UseSeptember 2021. “There’s a great group this season and I wish all the dancers and the show the best of luck!”
Sources at the time told Use that it will be “heartbreaking” to the other professionals not to have Motsepe return for another chance to win the mirrorball trophy.
“Keo loves being a pro and being part of DWTS, but also feels this opens the door for him to expand into other things he’s been working toward,” the insider noted.
Lindsay Arnold, who was returning home to DWTSAlso, season 30 is reflected on Burn the Floor alum’s absence.
“It’s always so hard because we truly are a family and we love each other so much,” Arnold told Entertainment TonightAfter the announcement. “I actually just texted Keo this morning just saying that I love him, I hope I get to see him soon and I hope he’s doing well.”
Scroll down to see all DWTS pros that didn’t return over the years:
