Hayley Erbert Hough Reveals Baby News and Holiday Magic: ‘Love Is Being Poured Into Each Other’ (Exclusive)
Plus, find out more about the recent season of ‘DWTS,’ her husband Derek and who she'd love to see cast on the show!
Hayley Erbert Hough is ready to dance through the holidays with her husband, Derek Hough, their three cats, two dogs and baby on the way. As she and her family get ready for the winter months, they’re focusing on slowing down and creating memories, like a family dinner party with her pets!
Woman’s World had a chance to chat with Hayley Erbert Hough about her favorite holiday traditions and the most recent season of Dancing with the Stars.
Woman’s World: What are some of your favorite holiday traditions for Christmas?
Hayley Erbert Hough: Having all of the traditional holiday meals, they’re obviously very, very delicious, but I would also say, the past few years for Christmas, we actually haven’t even been home because we were on tour last year. The year before that, we were in Washington, DC, because I was recovering from brain surgery. So, it’s been kind of up in the air. I would say our best tradition is just spending it with each other and spending it with our families and just lots and lots of love being poured into each other. Our lives are chaotic and they are busy, so having a little bit of time off is really nice.
WW: And speaking of chaos, Thanksgiving was just a few days after the Dancing with the Stars finale. How was that transition from showtime to family time?
Hough: Now, I’m really used to it, truthfully, and it’s really interesting, because I’m not on the show anymore. Derek still kind of experiences it, even as a judge; you kind of get these post-show blues a little bit. The finale is all the amazing things, and then all of a sudden, it’s crickets. We did go to Alfonso’s [Ribeiro] house for a little Friendsgiving that they always do on Thanksgiving. And so, we kind of got a little bit more of Dancing with the Stars right after.
WW: This past season of Dancing with the Stars was a record-breaking on all levels, but specifically in terms of viewership. Why do you think so many people tuned into this season as compared to others?
Hough: I think they did a really great job with casting. They truly got amazing people from all different areas. Social media has just really picked up on Dancing with the Stars and it’s blowing up. But what’s really amazing is that it’s always been a family show, but now some of our friends are like, ‘My kid is making me watch the show.’ It’s really cool to see how it can reach so many different generations over the years. It’s just the gift that keeps on giving.
WW: There were a lot of incredible dances this season—did any of them stick out as your favorite?
Hough: They’re all so good. Truly, this entire season, the numbers were really amazing, and the pros did such a great job with stepping it up with choreography and teaching, and of course, their celebrities were great. So, I don’t know if I’d really say I had a favorite.
WW: Yeah, that’s too hard to choose! As for future casting, is there anyone that you really want to see on Dancing with the Stars?
Hough: I’ve always said since day one, I would love to see Celine Dion on there, because Celine is queen, and she loves to dance and her personality is incredible. I think she would do really well. Another one that I used to always say was Chris Hemsworth, until I found out that he actually did Dancing with the Stars in Australia.
WW: You did a special performance on season 33 with your husband, Derek, which was absolutely beautiful. Would you ever consider coming back to the show for another special performance?
Hough: Of course. We have done a performance every year since 2020, and this is the first year that I was more behind-the-scenes of the performance because I am very pregnant. But it was so fun to be able to help with the 20th anniversary opening number. It was so fun. But definitely had FOMO not dancing. So, I’m sure there will be other opportunities to do special performances on future seasons, and I would be more than happy to.
WW: Tell me about your recent partnership with Wellness Pet Company. What inspired it?
Hough: I have five pets. We have three cats, two dogs, and they are literally our family. So, when Wellness reached out about partnering with me, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. This is so authentic. This is so perfect for us,’ because we actually do give our pets Wellness. They approached me about doing a little dinner party with our cats, which is beyond amazing because this year is all about getting family together… It just makes you feel like it’s a little bit more inclusive of the whole family.
Conversation
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