Popular “Dancing With the Stars” pro Mark Ballas may never return to the ballroom to compete for a Mirrorball Trophy again.
On the December 2 episode of the “Trading Secrets” podcast, Ballas said that he simply can’t see himself returning to the show in that capacity.
“As of now, I feel like the competitive side is closed,” Ballas told podcast host Jason Tartick.
“After Charlie [D’Amelio], I kind of made, I voiced those words of like, I’m retiring as a professional, just from the 10 weeks of competing, 20 seasons, I feel like was a lot. And also like a monumental time in my life. You know, before Charlie’s season, my wife and I had been trying for family, and now we have a son, and there’s just a lot of other things that I’m excited about right now. Number one, being a dad.
You know, so as far as being a pro, I’m very much so a never say never person, and I’m always open to a conversation. But as of now, I couldn’t see myself competing,” he explained.
Ballas returned to “Dancing With the Stars” on season 31 after a 5-year hiatus. He won the Mirrorball Trophy alongside D’Amelio.
Mark Ballas Is Open to Returning to ‘Dancing With the Stars’ in a Different Role
While his days as a competitor might be over, Ballas isn’t ready to completely close the door on the show.
In fact, when producers offered him an opportunity to guest judge on season 33, Ballas jumped at the opportunity. It went so well that fans have voiced the desire to see Ballas in the role full-time. And, apparently, he’s open to it.
“It was an honor to be at the judges table last night, After 20 seasons as a competitor I feel like I’ve done it all, but some how this little ballroom dancing show we all love still had a new experience up its sleeve for me. I thoroughly enjoyed watching all the dancing & I truly hope I gave the couples some tips to take with them as they move into the next phase of the competition,” he captioned an Instagram post on October 16.
In an interview with TV Insider, Ballas said he’d be open to joining the judges’ panel on a full-time basis.
“If they would have me? Of course! It would be fun,” he told the outlet.
Mark Ballas Unofficially Retired From DWTS After Winning Season 31
Ballas took a lengthy break from “Dancing With the Stars” to pursue some other things. However, he admitted that when executive producer Conrad Green came back to the show, he was open to the idea of returning.
“When I heard Conrad was coming back, I was like, I’m interested, you know, because I just love Conrad. He gets the show. He’s great,” the ballroom said on a November 2024 episode of the “Lightweights” podcast.
“I was down, you know. And my wife and I were trying for a family at the time. And, you know, we were having some downtime and I was like, ‘okay, I’ll do it,'” Ballas added.
However, after the memorable season was over, he really felt like his time on the show was over. He unofficially announced this during a stop on the DWTS Live Tour.
In a video that a fan uploaded to X, Ballas told the live audience that he wouldn’t be dancing in this capacity anymore.
“I just want to finish this by saying that this will be the last time you see me dance in this capacity. I’m coming to a close tonight. This is gonna be my last dance. I had the best time ever this season, and this freestyle was a great way to finish it off. … Thank you guys for a lifetime of memories,” he said.
Ballas has never officially announced his retirement from “Dancing With the Stars.”
