Derek Hough

The Dancing With the Stars judge, 35, steps into a new role in the second season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (May 14 on Disney+). He will play against his niceguy image as Zack, a new theater teacher at East High’s rival school who returns to Salt Lake City after a successful acting career in New York. And he’s also the ex of East High drama teacher Miss Jenn (Kate Reinders).

Tell us about Zack. He’s been successful, but he’s competitive and a little smug. A lot of performers have a lot of insecurity, and there’s usually a little bit of fear behind that. And, obviously, with his ex, he’s playing on things that happened in the past. I’m naturally a competitive person, but to be deliberate in trying to take down the other school—that’s not really in me, but it was nice to put on those shoes.

Is Zack going to be singing and dancing?

Yeah, there is a song-and-dance performance in this season. I'm doing a duet. What was cool was I'm originally from Utah, and we filmed in Utah. It was good to go home and see the fam-ily and then go shoot some episodes.

Will you return for season 30 of Dancing With the Stars?

It’s likely, especially since season 30 is such a milestone. For me, it would feel right to be a part of that season, given the history and my relationship with the show and how much I love it.

You hold the title for most DWTS wins, with six. Are you hoping no one beats your record?

My friend, who loves sports, he’s like, “Michael Jordan won six [NBA championships] and Tom Brady won six [Super Bowls]. Now Tom Brady’s won seven. Derek, you’ve got to go back and try to win another one to even it up with Tom Brady.” I feel like the Super Bowl and the Dancing With the Stars trophies are just a little bit different.

What surprising skill did he learn during the pandemic? Go to Parade.com/hough to find out.