Derek Hough's decision to sit out of the upcoming 20th season of ABC's Dancing With the Stars was not an easy one, according to show runner Rob Wade.

'Dancing With the Stars' Pro Derek Hough Not Competing In Season 20, Is He Leaving The Show?

Wade spoke with E! News following the breaking news that Hough would be sitting out of season 20 of DWTS in order to appear in the New York Spring Spectacular this spring. Fans of Hough can rest assured that this doesn't mean he is leaving the show for good.

"Well, he's not leaving. He's sitting out a season," Wade explained to E! News. "And it's amazing that we started this show, 10 years ago, I think Derek started in season two or three and now he got an opportunity to be on Broadway. It's amazing that our dancers can grow to a place where they can do something like that and come back."

'Dancing With the Stars' Pro Tony Dovolani Set To Join Former Pro Julianne Hough On Judging Panel?

Hough had previously sit out of season 12, but he has participated in every single season otherwise since season 5. He has become the most successful pro on Dancing with the Stars, having won five Mirrorball trophies with his various celebrity partners.

Hough obviously loves being a part of the show, so the decision to sit out of a season was not an easy one.

"It was tough for him. We had a real heart to heart. It wasn't an easy decision and it was difficult because I feel like, if not a father, a bit of an uncle to these guys and he was struggling with it so much," Wade revealed. "I was like, 'Look, you don't have to close a door. You can leave a door open and go off, come back in the fall. I don't want you to leave more than that and I'll let you go off and do this. We'll allow that.' He was very grateful."

Assuming Dancing With the Stars is picked up for season 21, Hough will likely be back at that time.

Dancing With the Stars returns Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Tags
Dancing with the Stars, Reality TV, ABC