Derek Hough 'inspired' to return to 'Dancing with the Stars'

Published Aug 13 2011, 21:55 BST  |  By Tom Ayres

Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Derek Hough has said that he can't wait to return to the show this fall.

Back in January, Hough confirmed that he would not appear on the 12th season of the show in order to shoot an independent film called Cobu 3D.

"[Cobu 3D gave me the chance to] push myself and introduce me to a career I'd love to do more," Hough told People recently. "It was a fantastic experience."

He also admitted that he liked being able to simply sit back and enjoy watching the series without being personally involved.

"When we're doing the show we're in the bubble and we get into the stress and the drama and all of the behind-the-scenes stuff," Hough explained. "It was good for me to take a season off and see what the audience sees."

"It gave me a new boost and inspiration to want to do some great things," he added. "I will hopefully live up to expectations and do a good job."

The celebrity lineup for the 13th season of Dancing with the Stars will be announced on August 29 during Bachelor Pad.

Dancing with the Stars will then return on ABC on September 19.