houghpic230.jpgDerek Hough will not be appearing on Season 12's Dancing With The Stars in order to begin a career on the big screen.

The DWTS three-time champion, who will return to ABC's dancing show for Season 13, has signed on to play the lead role in the upcoming dance movie Cobu 3D opposite Korean pop star BoA.

The movie, described as a "Romeo and Juliet-style love story," will require the usually-lean dancer to bulk up with muscle. As for his big role, Hough tells People:

    "People will see a much edgier side of me and these other styles of dance I'm capable of doing. I will be making it back to Dancing with the Stars in the fall. I'm just taking a little break and taking this chance to grow and expand a little bit as an artist. It's like I told one of the producers on the show – I'll come back with a whole new set of skills."


Conrad Green, DWTS executive producer, said the following:

    "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."


Lights, camera ... pirouette!