Hey there, friends! Let’s talk about something that’s been on everyone’s mind lately. Dancing with the Stars is back for its 25th season, and fans are buzzing with excitement. But amid all the glitz and glamour, one familiar face is noticeably absent. Yep, you guessed it—where is Julianne Hough?!

Julianne Steps Away from the Ballroom

On September 13, we learned that Julianne wouldn’t be returning as a judge this season. According to a Dancing with the Stars rep, “We’re thrilled to have Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba back in the ballroom. We’re also looking forward to welcoming guest judges whenever possible.” Julianne first graced the show as a professional dancer during seasons four through eight, winning the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy twice—with Apolo Anton Ohno and Hélio Castroneves. She joined the judging panel in September 2014, and now she's decided to take a step back, at least for now. Julianne, who’s now working with Fitbit, opened up about her decision, saying she'll always be connected to the show in some way.

Her New Focus: Acting and Personal Growth

Julianne shared with Entertainment Tonight that she wanted to take some time to focus on her acting career. “Right now, I wanted to take some time and focus on my acting and kind of get back on that path,” she explained. “I’m really excited about this next chapter. I’m 29, and I feel like I’m coming into my own.” She went on to say that continuing with the same routine might leave her regretting missed opportunities down the line. “It was really hard, but I wanted to make that choice,” she confessed. This decision reflects her desire to grow both personally and professionally, and we totally respect that.

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Marriage and Speculation

Oh, and did I mention that Julianne recently tied the knot with NHL player Brooks Laich? Their romantic ceremony took place on July 8, and now the couple is soaking in the joy of being newlyweds. Of course, fans are already buzzing with speculation about whether Julianne might be expecting baby number one. While there’s no official word yet, we’re sending all the positive vibes her way!

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1 week away until I get to goof off with these love bugs!!! 🌐#missinglen #carrieanninaba #lengoodman #brunotonioli #judges
A post shared by Julianne Hough (@juleshough) on Mar 13, 2017 at 12:14pm PDT

Brother Derek’s Take on Her Decision

Julianne’s brother, Derek Hough, also chimed in on her choice to step away from the show. “We were supposed to go back on tour, but she’s newly married and she’s a very focused woman,” Derek told Entertainment Tonight. “She has her sights set on other opportunities and things she wants to pursue.” He added, “Sometimes you just need to step away from something to create new opportunities. She’s Julianne, man. She’s a beast.” Derek’s words highlight Julianne’s determination and her ability to balance her career with her personal life.

Still a Fan at Heart

Even though Julianne is taking a break from Dancing with the Stars, she’s still a huge fan of the show. “I do miss the show, but what’s really fun is that I’m a fan now, just like everyone else who watches,” she admitted. “I watch the show from home and have favorites, which is great because I couldn’t really have favorites as a judge.” So, who’s catching her eye this season? “I love Derek Fisher,” she said, adding that she’s also a fan of Jordan Fisher. “He’s phenomenal! He’s so great,” she raved about her Grease Live! co-star. She also praised Lindsey Stirling and Sasha Pieterse, calling them bright lights and fun personalities. “It’s a really strong cast, and it’s such a joy to watch,” she concluded. We can’t wait to see her back in the ballroom one day!