Derek Hough is temporarily leaving Dancing With The Stars.
DEREK HOUGH, the 25-year-old professional dancer, is taking time off from DANCING WITH THE STARS to take the lead in the upcoming dance movie 'Cobu 3D', reports People Magazine. The dancer will star alongside Korean pop star BOA in the movie which is set to begin filming in the Spring.
Hough says he will be returning to the reality dance contest in the fall, saying, "I'm just taking a little break and taking this chance to grow and expand a little bit as an artist". On his return, the 25-year-old will be looking to win his fourth title after already being named champion with partners NICOLE SHERZINGER, Brooke Burke and last season's winner Jennifer Grey. 'Cobu 3D' will be directed by 'Save the Last Dance' and 'Step Up' screenwriter Duane Adler and is expected to hit cinemas in 2012.
DANCING WITH THE STARS executive producer CONRAD GREEN says he fully supports Hough's decision to move into the film world, and in statement said, "We wish Derek the best as he takes time off from 'Dancing with the Stars' to pursue his film career and look forward to having him return to the show in the fall".