Derek Hough, who won the super hit ABC reality dance show 'Dancing With the Stars' for an amazing five times, has declared that he will not participate in Season 20 of the show, which premieres on March 16.

According to Christian Today, in a way, the dancing pro was forced to leave the show with a view to devote additional time for his lead role in the upcoming "New York Spring Spectacular," which will be organized at the Radio City Music Hall.

This has led 'Dancing With the Star' fans to wonder if this implies that their favorite pro dancer will not be seen in the reality talent show again.

Keeping this in view, Rob Wade, the executive producer of 'Dancing With the Stars, has tried to appease the fans saying that Hough would be returning to the show once his Broadway project is over. At the same time, Wade pointed out that Hough actually had a difficult time in making a decision to take a hiatus from the 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 20.

He said, "It was tough for him. We had a real heart to heart. It wasn't an easy decision and it was difficult because I feel like, if not a father, a bit of an uncle to these guys and he was struggling with it so much," adding, "I was like, 'Look, you don't have to close a door. You can leave a door open and go off, come back in the fall. I don't want you to leave more than that and I'll let you go off and do this. We'll allow that.' He was very grateful."

However, this will not be the first time that Hough will be missing the popular reality dance show on ABC. In fact, he also did not participate in the show's Season 12, as he was busy with his movie 'Make your Move 3D.'

Meanwhile, 'Dancing With the Stars' fans are eager to know about the cast of the 20th season of the show. It is expected that the names of the cast will be announced sometime in February.