'Dancing With the Stars' Season 17 Cast Announcement: Kym Johnson Leaving Fall 2013 Revealed [VIDEO]
One of Dancing With the Stars longest lasting pro dancers will not be returning for season 17.
Kym Johnson, who has participated as a pro dancer in the show for 14 seasons will be sitting out of season 17 this fall, according to a Tuesday report by Us Weekly. The 37-year-old Australian dancer won season 9 with partner Donny Osmond and season 12 with partner Hines Ward.
"I will be taking the next season off from DWTS USA, so that I may accept an amazing work opportunity back home in Australia," Johnson told Us Weekly Tuesday. "I am excited, nervous and humbled by this chance and look forward to sharing more about it with you soon."
Johnson joined the cast of Dancing With the Stars in 2006 for season 3 of the series. Her first partner was talk show legend Jerry Springer. Season 16, which took place in Spring 2013, featured Johnson with soap opera actor Ingo Rademacher. The pair got fifth place.
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Fans of Johnson's dancing may not have to wait long for her to return to DWTS.
"I wish all the dancers and celebrities in season 17 nothing but love and success," Johnson continued, "and hope to see you all back on the dance floor for season 18."
The announcement of Johnson's departure comes in the weeks after other pro dancers admittance that they don't know if they'll be on the new season. Fan favorites Derek Hough and Mark Ballas revealed recently that neither of them knew if they were going to be in the new season.
Another veteran pro dancer, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, left Dancing With the Stars earlier this year after being on the show since season 2. ABC Entertainment President Paul Lee talked about Chmerkovskiy at the Television Critics Association Press Tour recently and said that they loved having him as a part of the show but did not reveal if he would return.
Fans will learn the identities of the celebrity cast and pro dancers that will be featured on season 17 on Wednesday, Sept. 4 on Good Morning America.
Season 17 will premiere on Monday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
