Julianne Hough Says Len Goodman Is Still ‘The Heart’ of ‘DWTS’

Julianne Hough Says Len Goodman Is Still 'The Heart' of 'DWTS' Over 5 Months After His Death

Julianne Hough, Len Goodman
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Season 32 of Dancing With the Stars has thus far been a bittersweet expertise for cohost Julianne Hough.

“This season is certain to be nostalgic and memorable, particularly as we honor and provides tribute to the nice Len Goodman,” Hough, 35, solely advised Us Weekly on Tuesday, October 11, whereas selling her partnership with Blender Bites. “He was such a pricey buddy, and I’m so glad to have the ability to honor him and hold his spirit alive within the ballroom.”

As Hough went on to notice, the present honored the late decide throughout the present’s September 26 season premiere by renaming the grand prize the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in his honor. “He was such an inspiration and can all the time be the guts of this present,” Hough stated to Us.

Goodman — who served because the ABC competitors sequence’ head decide since its premiere in 2005 — died on the age of 78 in April from prostate most cancers. His demise got here 5 months after he introduced his DWTS retirement following season 31.

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Remembering a dance legend. After attaining success as a ballroom dancer, Len Goodman discovered fame as a TV decide on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With the Stars. Goodman — who died in April 2023 at age 78, simply three days shy of his 79th birthday — started his profession on the dance ground at […]

Hough reacted to the information by penning a prolonged tribute by way of Instagram. “The knowledge, playfulness, and sophistication that radiated from you touched all of us with such impression,” she wrote alongside snaps of the duo through the years. “I’m endlessly grateful for the various years you influenced my previous, current and future! What an honor it has been to have been part of your fantastic life. You’re a legend and left a wonderful legacy. I like you endlessly.”

Whereas DWTS bid farewell to Goodman, the present welcomed again former season 19 champion and season 31 cohost Alfonso Ribeiro. “I’m past thrilled to be internet hosting alongside Alfonso,” Hough advised Us of their partnership. “We’ve been pals for over 10 years and have nice chemistry as cohosts. It’s such a pleasure to be again within the ballroom, and we’re so excited for all that’s to return this season! It is a full circle second for me, and the present is the place I really feel most at residence.”

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What can’t she do? Julianne Hough made her mark on Dancing With the Stars earlier than transferring on to beat appearing, singing and extra. The skilled dancer joined the ABC competitors sequence in 2007 and received the mirrorball trophy throughout her inaugural season. Later that 12 months, she turned a back-to-back champion. Hough then shifted her focus towards appearing, […]

Followers can count on many extra “show-stopping performances” this season, Hough teased. “We now have a wonderful solid who all have unbelievable tales to share, and I can’t look ahead to the followers to comply with together with their journeys,” she added. “The time and vitality the solid places into this present is spectacular – it requires hours and hours of rehearsing and getting ready. It’s no small feat studying a brand new dance each week!”

Along with her DWTS internet hosting duties, Hough just lately teamed up with the female-led beverage firm Blender Bites as a model associate and investor. “They’re actually revolutionizing the frozen class with their award-winning 1-Step Smoothies and 1-Step Frappes that are filled with wholesome, useful elements and are completely scrumptious!” she shared. “They’re my go-to resolution and hold me fueled when attempting to handle my busy schedule and never having to compromise on my vitamin.”

Julianne Hough Says Len Goodman Is Still 'The Heart' of 'DWTS' Over 5 Months After His Death
ABC/Christopher Willard

The drinks are good for folks with lively existence and people seeking to undertake wholesome habits. “Understanding and staying wholesome has all the time been part of my life and every day routine,” Hough stated of her health routine. “I began dancing at a younger age, so sustaining a nutritious diet and incorporating a exercise into my day has all the time been priceless to me. I transfer my physique day-after-day doing quite a lot of exercises, which helps preserve my bodily and psychological vitality. It’s all about steadiness!”

Blender Bites are actually accessible at Walmart Supercenter shops throughout the nation, in addition to on-line at Walmart.com. Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.

With reporting by Sarah Jones