He’s the triple-threat dancer-turned-judge who’s graced our screens with jaw-dropping routines on Dancing With The Stars, but now Derek Hough is swapping the ballroom for the bright lights of entertainment journalism – and loving every minute of it.

In a heartwarming video montage that’s racked up over 320,000 views on Facebook, the 40-year-old Utah-born hunk has shared a glamorous reel reflecting on his ‘blast’ of a start as the new host of Extra TV, interviewing some of the biggest names in showbiz – many of whom he’s fangirled over for years.

Captioned with pure excitement, Derek wrote: ‘Only a few months in as the new host of @extratv and I’ve already had a blast interviewing some truly incredible people, some of whom I’ve been a fan of forever! It’s been a whirlwind of amazing experiences, and we’re just getting started. Bring on the new year and all the adventures to come!’

The clip – a slick compilation of red carpet moments, backstage chats and starry encounters – shows Derek in his element: suited and booted, flashing that megawatt smile as he rubs shoulders with Hollywood’s elite.

From grilling A-listers on their latest blockbusters to sharing laughs with music icons, it’s clear the former DWTS pro is thriving in his fresh role, which he landed last year in a major coup for the syndicated show.

And fans are lapping it up, with over 1,200 reactions pouring in – hearts, fires and crying-with-laughter emojis galore.

One gushed: ‘You were born for this, Derek! Congrats on the new gig – killing it!’ Another added: ‘From dancing champ to top interviewer – icon behaviour!’

But Derek’s path to this glitzy new perch has been a classic American dream story, laced with talent, tenacity and a dash of family fame.

Born in Salt Lake City in 1985, Derek grew up in a sprawling Mormon family – he’s the fourth of five siblings, including famous sister Julianne Hough, the actress-dancer who’s starred in everything from Footloose remakes to hosting gigs herself.

Dance was in their blood: parents Marianne and Bruce encouraged the kids to train rigorously, and by age 12, Derek was shipped off to London with Julianne to study at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

There, under the tutelage of corking coaches Corky and Shirley Ballas (yes, the Strictly judge’s ex-husband and mum-in-law), he honed his ballroom skills, winning multiple junior championships.

Back in the US, Derek exploded onto DWTS in 2007 as a pro dancer, quickly becoming the show’s golden boy. With six Mirrorball trophies under his belt – more than any other pro – he partnered celebs like Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey and Bindi Irwin to victory.

His routines were legendary: high-energy, innovative flips and lifts that had audiences gasping. Off the floor, his bromances (especially with Mark Ballas) and cheeky charm made him a fan favourite.

But Derek’s ambitions stretched beyond dancing. He directed his own tours, released music, starred on Broadway in shows like Singin’ In The Rain, and even penned a bestselling memoir.

Then came the judging seat: joining DWTS full-time in 2020, where his constructive critiques and enthusiasm earned raves – though not without controversy, like tough scores that sparked viewer backlash.

Personal life? Derek’s had his share of headlines. Long-term relationships with dancers like Shannon Elizabeth and Hayley Erbert (whom he married in 2023 after a scary brain scare for her) kept tabloids buzzing.

Hayley, a fellow DWTS troupe member, suffered a cranial hematoma during a 2023 tour, requiring emergency surgery – a terrifying ordeal Derek documented with raw emotion, crediting fans’ prayers for her recovery.

Now blissfully wed in a fairy-tale California ceremony, the pair are couple goals: posting loved-up snaps and supporting each other’s careers.

Landing Extra TV was the cherry on top. The show, a staple of celeb gossip since 1994, needed fresh energy – and Derek, with his insider knowledge and effortless charisma, was perfect.

Since starting, he’s interviewed everyone from Oscar winners to pop sensations, drawing on his own experiences to ask the questions fans crave.

In the viral reel, glimpses show him beaming alongside stars – perhaps chatting Oscars with nominees or dishing on tour life with musicians he’s admired forever.

‘It’s surreal,’ he’s said in past chats. ‘One minute I’m flipping partners on DWTS, the next I’m grilling my idols on the red carpet.’

As 2026 kicks off, Derek’s teasing ‘all the adventures to come’ – whispers of Emmy hosting gigs, more DWTS specials, or even a return to performing?

With his infectious positivity and work ethic, one thing’s for sure: this dancing dynamo isn’t slowing down.

From ballroom prodigy to entertainment powerhouse, Derek Hough’s star keeps rising – and we’re here for every glittering step.