Culture March 22, 2023

Carrie Ann Inaba tells Julianne Hough 'welcome back' to 'DWTS' with sweet photo

WATCH: Carrie Ann Inaba shares her favorite moments from 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 30

Carrie Ann Inaba is "elated" to have Julianne Hough back in the ballroom.

In a series of throwback photos Inaba shared on Instagram of the two of them when Hough was previously on "Dancing With the Stars," the reality show judge said Hough as a co-host is a "natural fit."

"She will have done it all," Inaba wrote in the caption. "She's danced, she's judged, she's won, and now she's co-hosting with @therealalfonsoribeiro!"

MORE: Julianne Hough set to join season 32 of 'Dancing with the Stars' as co-host

"It's just a testimony to the family spirit at @dancingwiththestars," Inaba added. "She may already have a real brother on the panel, but she feels just like a sister to me as well. Welcome back Julianne! Looking forward to a fantastic season with you! Love you my little sister! ❤️"

It was announced earlier this week that Hough would be co-hosting the hit dance competition show alongside Alfonso Ribeiro, who joined the show in season 31.

Hough competed as a pro for five seasons and acted as a judge for several seasons. She won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy in seasons four and five.

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Hough's brother, Derek Hough, also competed on the show and won the Mirrorball Trophy several times before his role as a judge.

"It's such an honor to be rejoining 'Dancing with the Stars' as co-host," Hough shared in a statement obtained by "Good Morning America."

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Eric Mccandless/ABC via Getty Images
Carrie Ann Inaba and Julianne Hough during the season finale of Dancing with the Stars, Nov. 22, 2021.

"The show holds such a special place in my heart from the many years and different roles I have had the privilege of being a part of," her statement continued. "The energy is magnetic every time you step foot in to the ballroom and I can't wait to feel it again -- and of course to share it all with the absolute best and most loyal fans -- for another exciting season."

Last week, "GMA" confirmed that Tyra Banks would be leaving the show as co-host after three seasons.

She told TMZ earlier that she was exiting "DWTS" to "focus on my business and my entrepreneurship, and also producing more TV" from behind-the-scenes. She also told TMZ that it was "time" for her to move "from the ballroom to the boardroom."

"Dancing With the Stars" will return in the fall to Disney+.