Derek Hough playfully calls out Ryan Seacrest over his past romance with Julianne Hough on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
During a recent episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, Derek Hough subtly alluded to the previous romantic involvement between Ryan Seacrest and Julianne Hough.
The 40-year-old Derek appeared as a competitor on the program, which is hosted by the 50-year-old Seacrest, alongside his Dancing With the Stars colleagues, Bruno Tonioli and Jenna Johnson. During the competition, Derek successfully deciphered the puzzle “Footloose and Fancy-Free,” leading to a discussion about the popular musical, Footloose.
“Didn't you participate in Footloose years ago?” Seacrest inquired of the DWTS adjudicator.
Derek confirmed this, reminiscing about his experience in the theatrical production, and then mentioned Julianne’s role in the 2011 film adaptation.
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“Indeed! I played a leading role in Footloose on the West End for approximately 400 performances,” Derek responded. “Subsequently, my sister appeared in the movie's updated version.”
Seacrest, who had a three-year relationship with Julianne, currently 37, quipped that he “recalled” that fact.
“Here’s an interesting tidbit,” Derek started, pausing as he processed Seacrest’s comment. “Of course, you remember, Ryan!”
Following a noticeable silence, Derek then enthusiastically praised his sister’s portrayal in the musical film.
“Alright … but she absolutely excelled, she performed wonderfully,” he commented.
Seacrest concurred with Derek, then redirected the conversation to the game, stating, “She performed excellently, and you are also performing excellently.”
The initial encounter between Julianne and Seacrest took place in 2010 when she, a dancer, was a guest on his radio program. During that period, the Rock of Ages actress was in a relationship with her boyfriend at the time, Chuck Wicks. After her separation from Wicks, Julianne and Seacrest started their romantic relationship.
Julianne and Seacrest ended their relationship in 2013. An insider revealed exclusively to Us Weekly then that the breakup was caused by their “overly demanding” schedules.
“Things simply became overwhelming. I believe they both recognized they couldn't sustain it any longer,” the source elaborated. “The extensive travel and demanding way of life became unmanageable.”
Even after their separation, Julianne and Seacrest have maintained a friendly relationship throughout the years. In March 2022, Julianne made an appearance on Seacrest’s radio program, where they both expressed that their occasional reunions were not uncomfortable.
“We are friends! We communicate frequently,” Julianne affirmed, further stating that they interact with “regard, affection, and all those positive sentiments.”
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Over ten years following their breakup, Julianne shared insights into her experience managing a prominent relationship early in her professional life.
“It felt as though my foundation was suddenly removed,” she recounted during an August 2024 guest spot on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast. “I was soaring and encountering experiences I previously hadn't imagined.”
Julianne further mentioned her desire to avoid any perception that she was leveraging Seacrest’s renown and influence for personal advancement.
“I harbored an apprehension, thinking, ‘I absolutely don't want anyone to believe I'm with him for this motive,’” she pondered. “Consequently, I began to diminish myself. Knowing that this was his prior experience in similar circumstances, I once more over-adjusted, becoming adaptable to precisely what someone required me to be to ensure their contentment.”
