Julianne, Derek Hough Get Show: DWTS Alums Produce New Ballroom Dancing Drama

Julianne and Derek Hough are creating a show outside of the reality genre they know so well — though it’s a very familiar subject.

The sister and brother Dancing With the Stars team have signed on as executive producers of a scripted series airing on Starz. The series, titled Blackpool, is about a ballroom dancer and “the dancer’s obsession with perfection and the darker side of the glamorous world of ballroom dance,” a statement on Julianne’s website noted.

“Viewers are going to see a twisted, sexy, funny, dark and passionate side of the drama and politics in the world of ballroom dance that delves deeper than spray tans and sequins,” Derek Hough said in a statement.

The Julianne and Derek Hough show is aiming for an audience already geared in to dancing and the audience the siblings can bring, the Los Angeles Times noted.

“The world of ballroom dance has captivated millions of people around the world, and there are no more recognizable superstars in this arena than Julianne and Derek,” said Carmi Zlotnik, managing director of Starz, in a statement. “Their experiences growing up in this highly competitive world are riveting and also shocking. There is much more to uncover than what we see on the dance floor.”

Julianne said it’s refreshing to work on a project from a new angle.

“When you’re in the world, you’re so invested. It’s literally the be-all and end-all,” Julianne told The Hollywood Reporter. “But when you step back from it, you see that obsession with perfection and the fact that the lifestyle that you thought was so glamorous is actually a little shocking,”

“We’re going to start with our experiences in the world and stories that we’ve either seen or gone through, but it’ll be fun to be able to elaborate and fictionalize these characters,” she said.

Julianne and Derek Hough have interests outside of their new show. Julianne has tried her hand at dancing and appeared on television shows and movies as well. She appeared in the Nicholas Sparks’ romantic drama Safe Haven, and showed off her singing and dancing in the movies Burlesque and Rock of Ages.

Derek, the only Dancing With the Stars pro to win three times, has also tried his hand at movies. He recently appeared in the feature film Cobu #D: New York Nights.

Do you plan on watching Julianne and Derek Hough’s new show?