[10:52] Derek Hough from ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" poses backstage with his award for Outstanding Choreography
IN PHOTO: Derek Hough from ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" poses backstage with his award for Outstanding Choreography at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles September 22, 2013. Reueters/Lucy Nicholson

Five times “Dancing With The Stars” champion Derek Hough is down with a foot and ankle injury and might have to take a break from Season 20, his rep told ABC. Hough was unable to participate in the 10th anniversary DWTS special that was taped on April 21 and will air on April 28. The top professional dancer this season sustained injuries to his right foot and left ankle during rehearsals.

“He has been diagnosed with a broken toe on his right foot and sprains to his left ankle on both the inside and outside aspects and a bone bruise on the same ankle. Derek will remain in Los Angeles this week to rehab his injuries,” his spokesperson informed. He was accompanied by his best friend Mark Ballas, who is also a fellow pro dancer to the hospital.

Derek was rehearsing for the anniversary special routine with former partner Maria Menounos when he suffered the injury. She told that the five-time Mirrorball trophy winner hurt his foot after he smashed it on a piece of equipment, and then he went to get some ice to apply on it, but he fell down the stairs and hurt his ankle as well. Hough and his partner, Nastia Liukin, are among the seven remaining dancing duos in the show contending for the trophy.

His understudy Taylor Frey will take his place in the Rockettes’ “New York Spring Spectacular” as the male lead at Radio City, but it is unclear whether Derek will perform on the anniversary special episode of the show. Liukin will continue to train with pro Sasha Farber. Meanwhile, Hough was spotted walking on crutches and moving out of Blu Jam Cafe in Los Angeles after a brunch on April 22, according to US Weekly.

He posted a picture on Instagram on April 23 which shows him resting his injured feet in the hospital with Ballas and his girlfriend in the background. Derek thanked his friend Mark, BC Jean and Cory Ballas, Mark’s dad for being there with him in the hospital. He also informed his fans that he is determined to be back. Derek and Nastia did a tango on Week 6 “Spring Break Night” of DWTS. The dancing partners were tied to Mark Ballas and Willow Shields. Tune in to ABC at 8 p.m. every Monday to watch the show.

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