Dancing With The Stars was meant to be a fun reality show that spotlighted celebrities and their unknown professional dancer partners. But after twenty years, the pro dancers are the main attraction on the ABC show. In fact, the network is launching the first-ever fan convention where viewers can meet their favorite pro dancer, along with a few past celebrity winners.
But the ballroom is about to get a lot smaller. A favorite pro dancer is reportedly looking to retire after a grueling year. Keep reading for more details on the shocking rumor.
DWTS Fan Favorite Pro Dancer Eyeing Retirement
Several of the pro dancers on DWTS have been around for years. The show brought in newbie Jan Ravnik for Season 34, after he made headlines performing on tour with Taylor Swift. But the returning pro dancers helps bring viewers in. Many fans of the show watch to vote for their favorite pro dancer, not a celebrity contestant.
Brother-sister duo Julianne and Derek Hough never officially retired from dancing, but transitioned to roles as host (Julianne) and judge (Derek.) One fan favorite pro dancer who left the show for several seasons is reportedly eyeing retirement for other opportunities.
Mark Ballas is a three-time Mirrorball Trophy champion. He made his DWTS debut on Season 5. He took home the top prize with Kristi Yamaguchi (Season 6), Shawn Johnson (Season 9), and Charli D’Amelio (Season 31.)
The fan favorite “retired” from the ABC show in 2023 after winning his third Mirrorball Trophy. However his retirement was short-lived. He returned for Season 34 to compete with Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt.
Viewers can find him now on Season 4 of Peacock’s reality competition, The Traitors. But according to an insider, Mark Ballas is considering retirement to focus on other reality TV opportunities.
“He’s trying to make a name for himself outside of just being a dancer. Mark will always have dance in his life, but his body cannot handle the strain like it used to, so it’s limiting how much he can actually perform,” an insider spilled to the U.S. Sun.
The source claimed the pro dancer might return to DWTS for his swan song. “He might come back for one final season on DWTS, but if so, that would be his last one. He’s trying to establish himself as more than just a dancer, but a full-on TV personality that can excel in different kinds of roles in the industry,” the insider claimed.
Even if Mark Ballas retires from DWTS, fans might see him on a spinoff that’s in the works.
Mark Ballas Reportedly Involved In New ABC Spinoff
Could Mark Ballas discover his own DWTS replacement? According to multiple outlets, ABC is exploring a spinoff to find the next pro dancer. Robert Irwin is reportedly in talks to host, with Mark Ballas as one of the judges.
The rumored show would be a family affair. His mother, Shirley Ballas, is reportedly leaving the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing to judge the DWTS spinoff. ABC has yet to confirm the spinoff. Stay tuned for more details.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
