Derek Hough has officially stepped into his new role as host of “Extra,” bringing his signature enthusiasm and dance background to the entertainment news world while continuing his judging duties on “Dancing with the Stars.”
The 40-year-old performer began his hosting journey on September 8, taking over from Billy Bush in what he describes as an exciting career evolution. His debut featured high-profile interviews with A-list celebrities, marking his transition from dance floor to interview chair.
Hough documented his pre-interview jitters in a candid Instagram video posted on September 9, giving fans an intimate look at his nerves before meeting with major Hollywood stars. “I’m on my way right now to my very first interview for Extra with Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie. And I’m a little nervous. I don’t know why, I don’t know why I’m feel this way. I’ve got little butterflies in my stomach. Um, I think it’s ’cause I’m such a huge fan of theirs,” he shared in the behind-the-scenes footage.
Star-Studded Debut Interview Experience
Hough’s inaugural interview presented him with both excitement and nervous moments as he sat down with Robbie and Farrell to discuss their new romantic fantasy film “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.” The seasoned performer admitted to feeling overwhelmed despite his years of television experience.
The playful dynamic between the trio was evident from the start, with Farrell jokingly critiquing Hough’s interviewing skills at the end of their session. “You’re terrible. Terrible,” Farrell teased, according to Hough’s Instagram post. Hough took the ribbing in stride, responding with characteristic humor: “Oh, I know. Back to the dance floor.”
The interview proved to be a memorable experience, with both stars showing kindness to the newcomer. “I told them that this is my first interview, and Colin and Margaret was so kind, they got up and gave me a big hug, and we brought it in. It was really lovely, really special. They made it really just comfortable, easy,” Hough reflected in his Instagram post after completing the interview.
His social media documentation continued post-interview, where he admitted: “Just finished up with my first interview and. It was awesome. It was great. It was all a blur. I don’t remember anything that happened.”
During the conversation, Farrell opened up about personal experiences, including the recent loss of his father. “My father just died five months ago… It was the biggest door that I’ve ever passed through. It was a very extraordinary experience of going back in time and just remembering the events of our shared life together… It was a very special time,” Farrell shared, according to “Extra TV.”
The interview also covered the actors’ career journeys, with Robbie discussing her move from Australia to Hollywood. “Probably leaving Australia and trying to make it in Hollywood and kind of packing up my life back home… I packed it up in a way so there wasn’t something to go back to, so I kind of had to make it over here. So, that felt bold,” she explained.
Balancing Multiple Roles and Future Plans
Despite his new hosting responsibilities, Hough emphasized that managing both “Extra” and “Dancing with the Stars” won’t be overwhelming. His experience juggling multiple projects has prepared him well for this dual role. “I’m so used to being on tour and being on the road doing six shows a week and doing Dancing With Stars back and forth. Extra is twenty minutes away from my house, so it’s actually not so bad. It’s a lot easier than things I’ve done in the past,” he told Entertainment Weekly.
Hough plans to maintain clear boundaries between his roles, particularly regarding his judging duties on “Dancing with the Stars.” “Somebody asked me, ‘Are you going to be on the press line after the show?’ I was like, ‘Absolutely not.’ I’m very much the judge on that show,” he explained to the outlet.
The new host intends to incorporate his passion for dance into the entertainment news format. “I definitely have more plans to do some spotlight moments on amazing choreographers and dancers. For instance, Robbie Blue, who’s an upcoming choreographer, who did Doechii’s tour and choreographed the viral Gap commercial with Katseye. I want to put some spotlights on the community and do some moments with the choreographers, the dancers, and have that element within the show,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Hough acknowledges potential challenges in his new role, particularly regarding difficult interview situations. “The thing I’m most nervous about is having that awkward interview. Where you ask a question and they just don’t want to be there,” he admitted.
His approach to interviewing stems from his own positive experiences as an interview subject. “For me, whenever I do interviews, I’m always very grateful to be in a position where I’m being interviewed. It means that I’m still working,” he explained.
The timing of this career move coincides with other significant life changes for Hough, who is expecting his first child with wife Hayley Erbert in December. When discussing baby advice during his interview with Robbie and Farrell, both actors offered encouragement, with Farrell humorously adding: “Good luck, you’re [expletive]!” according to “Extra TV.”
Hough’s sister, Julianne, who co-hosts “Dancing with the Stars” alongside Alfonso Ribeiro, has expressed enthusiasm for her brother’s new venture. “She’s like, ‘I think Extra Derek is going to be my new favorite era, man. It’s a vibe,'” he shared with Entertainment Weekly.
