The celebrity cast for Dancing With the Stars season 17 may not be known at this time, but a report claims one of the professional dancers should be returning to the show next season.

The Los Angeles Times suggested that four-time DWTS champion Derek Hough will be on the next season of the show, which premieres on Sept.16. The report said he would "of course" be returning for season 17, but Hough did not confirm his return.

Hough discussed the recent change to the show's format, which involves combining the performance and results shows into one 2-hour show on Mondays.

"I really feel like it's going to be a much better show," he said in the Times story. "It's going to be high impact and nonstop."

The dancer also announced via Twitter on Wednesday that he would host a dancing special for ABC called Family Dance Off. The special will air Sunday, Aug. 25 and will feature five families competing for a $10,000 prize.

As for other returnees, pro dancer Mark Ballas told Wetpaint Entertainment on Monday that he was "still in the dark" about anything regarding the new season. He said the announcement of the celebrity guests, who will appear on the show, is usually announced two days after the cast of pro dancers is revealed.

Ballas shared Hough's opinion about the new combined performance and results show.

"Fans will stay stronger on a Monday because you get all the action all in the same day. It's action-packed," he explained. "I think that it will keep the show around a lot longer and keep people interested, so it could be a cool move."

Judges Bruno Tomioli and Carrie Ann Inaba confirmed that they would be returning in the fall, but fellow judge Len Goodman has not. No celebrities have confirmed their appearance on the show, but there is rampant speculation that Paula Deen might be in the new cast.

Season 17 of Dancing With the Stars will premiere Monday, Sept. 16 on ABC.

Watch Hough's dance with Kellie Pickler in the season 16 finale:

Tags: Dancing with the Stars