Could Season 21 of “Dancing With the Stars” be Derek Hough’s final hurrah? The 30-year-old dancer teased the end of his dancing career on the hit ABC competition when he revealed that “it’s likely” the upcoming installment will be his last.

“I think I have one more [season] left on my contract,” he revealed to News Press, adding that’s it’s still up in the air whether or not he’ll return for another chance to win the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy after Season 21. “We’ll see. I love the show. The show’s amazing. I love every part of it… There’s really nothing like it.”

The fan favorite went on the say that although he may retire from the long-running series as a professional dancer, it doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be involved with the toe-tapping competition. “As long as I have ideas and things to do on the show, I want to be a part of it,” he said, soothing our broken hearts.

In May, Hough shared a similar sentiment regarding his fate on the show when he revealed to Glamour magazine that it’s possible he’ll return to the “DWTS” ballroom floor after Season 21 -- “but not necessarily as a pro."

Could that mean Derek might be following in the footsteps of his little sister? Julianne Hough, 26, landed herself a spot on the judges’ table (along with Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Toniolo and Len Goodman) in 2014, after competing on “DWTS” for five seasons. Although we're not sure if ABC would want both Hough siblings acting as judges, we think it would make sense for Derek to join the critics -- especially after it was speculated that Goodman's time on the show was winding down.

The "DWTS" veteran previously revealed he was contemplating leaving the series after the show's 20th anniversary season. However, something -- or should we say someone -- changed Goodman's mind. Could it be possible he's waiting for Derek to fill his shoes?

Do you think Derek should continue to participate on “Dancing with the Stars” as a professional? Or should the five-time winning champion of the hit ABC series be cast as a judge on the competition? Sound off in the comments section below with your thoughts and don’t forget to tune in to “Dancing with the Stars” when Season 21 premieres on Monday, September 14, at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

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