Julianne Hough Discusses Issues With Brother Derek

Utah-based siblings Derek and Julianne Hough have been significant figures in the world of ballroom dance for years, frequently collaborating on various projects and appearing very close.

However, like all siblings, they also encounter their share of challenges.

As “Dancing With The Stars” fans eagerly anticipate the new season, the show’s cast members are focusing on their personal lives. In a recent interview, Julianne hinted at some difficulties she and Derek have faced in their relationship.

Derek and Julianne Hough have previously acknowledged that they bicker like all siblings. However, they might have deeper issues that they prefer to keep private.

As many “Dancing With The Stars” fans are aware, Derek’s wife, Hayley Erbert, suffered a severe medical emergency last December. She underwent two skull surgeries but managed to return to dancing. Fortunately, she appears to be recovering well now.

According to Julianne, the family tragedy brought them closer together. “Something happens and it just is like a clean slate,” the “DWTS” hostess shared with PEOPLE in a recent interview. “Especially with what just happened with Derek and Hayley, there could have been little things just kind of looming or lingering in the background, but when you’re left with life-or-death situations, nothing else matters. Whatever little things of competition there are or whatever it might be, those things just go away.”

“I am so blessed to have the family that I have, even when we’re not all on the same page, when we don’t sometimes have the same beliefs or understandings of things,” she continued.

“The thing that hurts the most is when we’re not connected,” Julianne added. “And so sometimes you do the thing that hurts the most, which is remove yourself because you’re trying to protect yourself. So our family is like any other family. We have our situations and our stuff, but our deepest desire is to connect. And I think we all really have a strong desire to make that happen.”

Despite their busy year, both Derek and Julianne Hough will return to the ballroom for Season 33. Derek resumes his role as head judge, and Julianne will continue her hosting duties alongside Alfonso Ribeiro.

Hopefully, the siblings can set aside their differences to deliver an engaging show for the viewers. Regardless of what comes their way, they will always have each other.

Catch the Hough siblings back in action during the Season 33 premiere at 8 PM Eastern time on Tuesday, September 17 on ABC.