In the video package shown just prior to his final dance with Shawn Johnson in Tuesday night’s "Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars" finale, Derek Hough said that winning the "All-Star" season would have been a “perfect ending.”
His use of the word “ending” begs the question as to whether or not Hough, the all-time "DWTS" champion with three mirror ball trophies, is coming back next season.
“I can’t say right now,” Hough told TODAY on the post-show press line last night.
He says the question posed to him by a segment producer about doing a final dance for the season caught him off guard.
“I was shocked at how I reacted and was sort of overwhelmed. I could barely speak to be honest. All the memories of the show, the people I’ve met and how amazing this family is (overwhelmed me.) I couldn’t describe the feeling," he said.
If he’s not taking part in next season’s show, what does Hough hope to accomplish?
“There is so much more I want to do,” he said. “It’s just about (finding) the next chapter.”
Departing the show wouldn't be a total departure for Hough: He opted out of competing in season 12. One thing’s for sure, Hough isn’t ready to close any doors just yet.
“I will always want to be a part of the show in some way,” he said, semi-cryptically.
Would you miss Derek if he left? Let us know on Facebook!
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- Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani win 'Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars'
- Slideshow: Worst 'DWTS' costumes of the all-star season
- Shawn Johnson: 'I'm terrified' of the insta-dance!
- Monday's recap: Judges rip Shawn and Derek for breaking the rules -- again
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