“Dancing With the Stars” judge and dancer Derek Hough has been tapped as the new host of the syndicated entertainment news magazine strip “Extra.” Hough replaces Billy Bush, who revealed earlier this year that he was exiting the Telepictures-produced series after five years.
Hough joins for the show’s Season 32, which launches on Sept. 8. It’s part of several changes for the show, which also recently saw “Extra” exec producer Theresa Coffino departure after 26 years. Fellow exec producer Jeremy Spiegel, who serves as showrunner, is now solely at the helm of “Extra” as it returns.
According to the show, Spiegel has developed a “freshly reimagined” season “with brand-new segments built around Hough, original digital content and ‘Extras,’ and with a dynamic new set and graphics. Hough will sit down for engaging and exclusive interviews with celebrity friends and take us behind the scenes of his many projects, including ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and beyond.”
Hough will be joined by senior correspondent/weekend host Mona Kosar Abdi and correspondent Terri Seymour to cover entertainment news and events, including red carpets and interviews.
“Derek has not only dominated the world of dance — he’s become a beloved household name who has won America’s hearts with his talent, charisma and boundless creativity,” Spiegel said in a statement. “I am excited to work closely with Derek as he brings his electrifying energy and fresh perspective to ‘Extra.’”
Hough has earned four Emmys and is a New York Times bestselling author (“Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion”). His credits include the feature “Make Your Move,” a recurring role on the TV series “Nashville” and “High School Musical: The Musical,” and a role in the TV special “Hairspray Live!” He’s entering his sixth year as a judge on “Dancing with the Stars,” which he previously performed on as a pro dancer (winning six times, the most of any of the show’s participants).
“The ballroom has been my stage, my home, and my launchpad,” Hough said. “Now, I’m stepping into an exciting new spotlight as the host of ‘Extra.’ I’m truly looking forward to collaborating with this incredible team, diving into this next creative chapter, and connecting with fans and audiences in a whole new way. It’s an honor to join a show that’s been a cornerstone of entertainment news for over 30 years — and I’m ready to help lead it into a bold, fresh new era for Season 32 and beyond.”
“Extra” has has received 12 consecutive Daytime Emmy nominations for outstanding entertainment news program, which it won in 2014 and 2016. As it returns for Season 32, it has been cleared in over 95% of the country, including renewals by Fox Television Stations, Nexstar Media Group, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Tegna, Hearst Television, Scripps Broadcasting, Gray Media, Sunbeam Television and CBS.
“Derek brings a rare mix of energy, creativity, and a dynamic presence that perfectly captures the spirit of this exciting next era for our iconic show,” said Lauren Blincoe, senior VP, current programming at Telepictures. “We’re energized by the future of ‘Extra’ with Derek front and center and can’t wait to see him turn the entertainment news genre on its head.”
“Extra” comes from Telepictures, a Warner Bros. Television Group company, and distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales. Hough is repped by UTA, Strand Entertainment, Reed Smith and Guttman Associates Public Relations.
See the official announcement here:
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source variety.com ’
