Before I type anything, I just need you to understand how upset I am about this news.

Okay, deep breath.

Derek Hough won’t be returning to Dancing With the Stars this spring.

Jennifer Grey Dancing With the Stars Winner 2010

The three-time champ said:

“I’m taking season 12 off.”

He’s taking the season off to play the  lead role in the upcoming dance movie Cobu 3D, which is scheduled to film in New York and Toronto this spring.

People Magazine reports:

“Hough will play a New Orleans street dancer who moves to New York and falls for an Asian drummer (played by Korean pop recording star BoA). The Romeo and Juliet-style love story (their dance groups are rivals) will be accented by “some incredible dance numbers,” says Hough. “People will see a much edgier side of me and these other styles of dance I’m capable of doing.” “

Sigh. Good news though, Derek told the magazine he’s gained almost 10 lbs. in muscle for the film. SWEET! He added:

“I will be making it back to Dancing with the Stars in the fall. I’m just taking a little break and taking this chance to grow and expand a little bit as an artist. It’s like I told one of the producers on the show – I’ll come back with a whole new set of skills.”

We’ll miss you, Derek! Come back soon!

[image: WENN]