Len Goodman announced earlier that "Dancing With The Stars" Season 20 will be his last as the resident judge.
Executive Producer Rob Wade told E! News that Goodman, the ballroom expert, will still be part of the show even beyond season 20, which is contrary to his earlier statements with Digital Spy last month. Goodman told the media that being part of the 20 seasons of this show within 10 years is already enough. According to the same source, he was already part of the series since the show started in 2004.
However, Wade defended Goodman's statement. According to him, the resident judge was able to say those words because he was affected by his sick mother and felt really exhausted during that time.
"The travel, he's getting on a bit and his mother, who's 97, is quite sick and needs help. He felt bad about being away... I had a lot of conversations before the last season about it ... When he had the interview, he felt like if he went away for a season, we wouldn't [want] him back," Wade said.
On the contrary, the "DWTS" executive producer admitted that he is not yet sure if Goodman will be a full-time judge or he might just participate on some performances of the show.
"I don't know how we'd use him, but he's very open to it. I spoke to Len two days ago. And then for Season 22, the spring, he's very up for coming back. And if we can come to an agreement, he absolutely wants to come back," he detailed.
On the other side, Derek Hough, another long-time "DWTS" cast member, was planned to be sidelined for the season. However, he said that he will not be back with the season to give way to another big project at the Radio Gig Hall where he is the lead of "New York Spectacular." Hough was a record-holding dancing pro garnered the most number of wins in the series.
Reportedly, Hough's big performance is also set on the same month as the DWTS season will start. A lot of fans are disappointed with this announcement. Yet, they wished him luck with his positive step to his performing career.
"Dancing With The Stars" Season 20 will be aired this March 16, Monday.
Join the Conversation