Derek Hough Names Kristen Bell as His 'Dream Partner' for "Dancing with the Stars "and She Has the Best Response Liza EsquibiasOctober 21, 2025 at 10:21 PM 0 Craig Sjodin/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Emma McIntyre/Getty for Netflix Derek Hough (left); Kristen Bell Derek Hough reve...
- - Derek Hough Names Kristen Bell as His 'Dream Partner' for "Dancing with the Stars "and She Has the Best Response
Liza EsquibiasOctober 21, 2025 at 10:21 PM
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Craig Sjodin/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Emma McIntyre/Getty for Netflix
Derek Hough (left); Kristen Bell -
Derek Hough revealed that Kristen Bell is his "dream" Dancing with the Stars partner
Bell noted that she is "a tipper" and "would need a lot of rehearsal," which Hough said would be no problem
Hough was a pro on the competition series for several years before taking over as a judge in 2020
Derek Hough would get back on the dance floor for Kristen Bell.
The Extra host, 40, recently interviewed Bell, 45, and Adam Brody ahead of the season 2 premiere of Netflix's Nobody Wants This, and he couldn't help but make a confession.
"You know when people have always asked me in the past, they'll be like, 'Who would be your dream partner on Dancing with the Stars?' " began Hough, who used to be a pro on the competition series and is now a judge. "And I'm gonna be honest with you, Kristen, you've been my number one for a while."
Bell's jaw dropped as she put her hands over her face and exclaimed, "What?"
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"Derek, do you know that I tip over all the time, like even just watching?" the actress revealed.
Brody, also 45, then chimed in, "But is that a fun challenge? Or do you want someone really talented?"
After Bell suggested that Hough could just move her around, he noted, "like a mannequin," and she joked that she's "super malleable."
"Are we doing this?" Hough teased. "Is this happening?"
Bell replied: "I mean, maybe we could do it. I feel like I would need a lot of rehearsal."
"That's fine, we'll put in the work, and will turn you from a tipper to a dipper," Hough quipped before Bell declared, "I'm in!"
Hough first started dancing when he was 11 years old and joined DWTS in 2007 as a guest instructor when his sister, Julianne Hough, was competing as a pro. He officially became a pro in 2008 for season 5.
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Derek Hough (left) and Kristen Bell
He continued in the position until season 23 in 2016 (except for seasons 12 and 22), when he took a break to star in NBC's Hairspray Live! alongside Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Martin Short and Harvey Fierstein.
In 2020, he replaced the late Len Goodman as a judge and has continued in that position alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli for the past five years.
"I often say this, but this show is the gift that keeps on giving," he gushed in April of the series, which first premiered in 2005. "I mean, the fact that we've been around for so long and still doing what we're doing is a true testament to the heart and soul of what the show is. And also, so much really depends on such an amazing cast."
During his time competing on DWTS, Derek won the most Mirrorball Trophies of any dancer: his first with Brooke Burke on season 7 in 2008, his second with Nicole Scherzinger on season 10 in 2010, his third with Jennifer Grey on season 11 in 2010, his fourth with Kellie Pickler on season 16 in 2013, his fifth with Amber Riley on season 17 in 2013 and his sixth with Bindi Irwin on season 21 in 2015.
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Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
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