‘Dancing with the Stars’ Gets a Return Date

Show to return March 21, down a pro

Let the reckless casting speculation commence — "Dancing with the Stars" will be back March 21.

Also read: 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 12 Cast Announced (In Our Dreams)

ABC announced the show's return Tuesday. The show is coming off a wildly successful season, powered in part by the casting of Bristol Palin, whose advance to the end thrilled supporters and baffled others.

One disappointment for fans: This season the show will return Houghless. Pro dancer Derek Hough is taking the season off.

“We wish Derek the best as he takes time off from 'Dancing with the Stars' to pursue his film career and look forward to having him return to the show in the fall,” executive producer Conrad Green said.