Derek Hough opens up about family, new hosting gig and upcoming tour
BY LA Stories Staff Sherman Oaks
PUBLISHED 5:00 AM PT Dec. 15, 2025
Derek Hough’s evolution from bullied Utah kid to global dance icon on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” is a testament to resilience, artistry and relentless drive.
Today, as he steps into his newest role as host of “Extra,” Hough brings the same charisma and discipline that propelled him to six Mirrorball championships and international acclaim.
The latest episode of “LA Stories Revisited” looks back at his inspiring conversation with host Giselle Fernandez.
“It’s really wild to think about where dance has taken me in my life,” he said.
Amid his professional success, Hough’s personal life has undergone profound transformation. In 2024, his wife Hayley suffered a life-threatening cranial hematoma, a moment that changed both their lives forever.
Now, with her recovery and the couple expecting their first child, Hough speaks openly about the overwhelming joy and anticipation of fatherhood.
“I can’t even imagine how my heart is going to explode into a million pieces just filled with love,” he said.
Even as he embraces these life changes, Hough’s passion for performance continues to shine. He is preparing to hit the road again in 2026 with his Symphony of Dance: Encore tour: a theatrical experience featuring new choreography, immersive lighting, a live band and the kind of kinetic storytelling audiences have come to love.
For Hough, it represents both a celebration of his craft and an invitation to connect through movement.
“This tour, the dancing, the lighting, the production, the live band, the dancers, the costumes,” he said. “This is a full production, and I can’t wait to go out there and share it with everybody again.”