Derek Hough says he's 'feeling great' and has 'definitely turned a corner' after breakthrough COVID-19 diagnosis

By Adam S. Levy For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough on Monday said he's on the mend following a breakthrough COVID-19 diagnosis.

Hough, 36, appeared virtually on the show's season 30 finale, where he said that he's been feeling better as he continues to quarantine.

'I'm feeling great, I definitely turned a corner,' Hough said. 'I'm so sad I can't be there with you all. Everything looks amazing. But yeah, I'm feeling good!'

The latest: Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough, 36, on Monday said he's on the mend following a breakthrough COVID-19 diagnosis

The latest: Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough, 36, on Monday said he's on the mend following a breakthrough COVID-19 diagnosis

Hough had a kind message for both the professional dancers and celebrity participants on the season's last episode.

'It's a huge responsibility to take on, you know, all the choreography, the time, the blood, sweat and tears,' Hough said. 'Y'all have been fantastic teachers, fantastic mentors to your celebrity partners.

'Congratulations to you all. And to all the finalists, strong and calm. Strong in the mind, strong in the body. You got this. Good luck!'

The dance pro's sister Julianne Hough, 33, substituted for him on the judge's panel for the season finale.

The dance pro's sister Julianne Hough substituted for him on the judge's panel for the season finale with Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli

The dance pro's sister Julianne Hough substituted for him on the judge's panel for the season finale with Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli 

Hough had a kind message for both the professional dancers and celebrity participants on the season's last episode

Hough had a kind message for both the professional dancers and celebrity participants on the season's last episode

She told the show's host Tyra Banks her brother was 'doing great' and 'on the mend' in the wake of testing positive for breakthrough COVID-19.

Julianne said she was 'honored to' fill in for her brother on the high-profile episode.

'I stepped away for a while on the judges' table to become a fan again, to watch on television,' she said. 'And I gotta tell you, I'm so excited to be here in person, so I don't have to yell at the TV anymore!'

In an Instagram clip Monday, Derek said he was feeling 'so much better' and wished the remaining participants 'the best of luck'

In an Instagram clip Monday, Derek said he was feeling 'so much better' and wished the remaining participants 'the best of luck'

Details: Derek last week spoke about his COVID-19 on Instagram, saying, 'Even though I've been fully vaccinated, I've just been diagnosed with a breakthrough case of COVID'

Details: Derek last week spoke about his COVID-19 on Instagram, saying, 'Even though I've been fully vaccinated, I've just been diagnosed with a breakthrough case of COVID'

In an Instagram clip Monday, Derek said he was feeling 'so much better' and wished the remaining participants 'the best of luck.'

Derek last week spoke about his COVID-19 on Instagram, saying, 'Even though I've been fully vaccinated, I've just been diagnosed with a breakthrough case of COVID.

'I just found out and I feel okay. I feel strong. I'm currently taking advice from medical professionals to get better as fast as I can ... I just want to send my love out there to all. Stay safe.'

Derek had previously sat out the competition's third week after 'a potential COVID exposure,' ABC said in October.

Dancing with the StarsCovid-19

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