“Dancing with the Stars” pros Derek Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough, are getting ready to become first-time parents — and they marked the special moment with an intimate, star-studded baby shower in Los Angeles.
Held on Nov. 13 at Cosette Wine Bar + Bottleshop, the expecting couple celebrated their baby on the way surrounded by family, friends, and several familiar faces from the DWTS family. According to People, the event was organized by Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, along with friends Britt Stewart and Jessica Gee, and event planner Troy Williams of Simply Troy. Julianne described the celebration as “ethereal” and “dreamy,” honoring the couple’s next chapter.
“Hayley and Derek are such a beautiful match,” Julianne told People. “They are the perfect combination of creativity and strength, and they give so much love to each other and the people in their lives.”
Among the guests were DWTS alums Sasha Farber, Mark Ballas and his wife BC Jean, Daniel Durant, and Angela Ribeiro. Hayley, 31, glowed in a bright yellow Tularosa dress with her hair styled in loose curls by Jill Buck and natural makeup by Afton Williams. Guests participated in creative activities, including a baby succulent garden, kitten playtime with rescues from Kitten Rescue LA, and personalized diaper notes.
Julianne also presented the couple with a keepsake edition of Grimm’s Fairy Tales filled with handwritten notes and illustrations. “Having Derek, Hayley, and this new little angel living here in L.A. will be so amazing,” Julianne added. “I couldn’t be more excited to spoil the baby rotten.”
The couple, who tied the knot in August 2023, are getting ready to welcome their first child this winter. In a recent Instagram video, Derek showed off their baby’s nursery-in-progress, revealing a cozy crib setup. Hayley commented, “The one and only thing we have in the nursery so far. But we’re slowlyyyy making progress .”
Derek, 40, and Hayley first announced their pregnancy in July with a sweet video of them embracing against a scenic view, captioned, “We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small ♥️.” The couple, who dated for eight years before marrying, has continued to share glimpses of their journey while maintaining an element of surprise — especially when it comes to their baby’s gender.
While the pair hasn’t confirmed their baby’s sex, fans believe Derek may have accidentally revealed it — twice. During the Oct. 14 “Dedication Night” episode of “Dancing with the Stars”, the judge nearly said “daughter” while reflecting on a contestant’s father-daughter dance before quickly correcting himself. “Watching you two dance really made me excited to have my own moment with my— with my own child,” he said, sparking immediate speculation.
Weeks later, Derek posted a rehearsal clip of him and Hayley dancing, where many fans claimed they heard him say, “That’s my girls. That’s my baby.” The comment reignited theories that the couple is expecting a girl. “Twice he’s now slipped, so definitely a baby girl,” one fan commented.
Despite the speculation, the couple has kept details under wraps and continues to enjoy this season of anticipation. Their baby is expected to arrive in December and judging by the excitement surrounding their shower, they’re already surrounded by love and support.
Chicago Fire fans are reeling after a bombshell announcement that marks the end of an era. David Eigenberg, the beloved actor behind Firehouse 51’s heart and humour
The news has sent a wave of emotion through the One Chicago fandom, as viewers prepare to say goodbye to a character who shaped the soul of the series for more than a decade.
Eigenberg revealed that he made the decision himself, describing it as the right moment to close the chapter.
“This is the end of the line for me,” he said, acknowledging the weight of his choice. “It’s time to hang up the gear for good.”
For a character who has delivered laughter, toughness, warmth, and unforgettable speeches — it feels almost unthinkable that the firehouse will continue without him.
Herrmann’s journey began in 2012, when
What hit fans hardest was Eigenberg’s reason for stepping away.
“I’ve got a family that’s been so patient for so long,” he shared. “I want to be home for dinner again. I want to see my kids grow up without a call time in the morning.”
In a way, it’s the perfect parallel to Herrmann himself — a man whose life revolved around loyalty, sacrifice, and family.
Insiders say Eigenberg notified the creative team months ago, giving writers time to craft a farewell storyline that carries weight, heart, and history.
While details remain tightly under wraps, one thing is clear:
“You’ll cry — not just once. Maybe all episode,” a crew member teased.
His final storyline reportedly centers on one last major call that forces Herrmann to draw on everything he’s learned since joining 51. It won’t be a tragedy. It won’t be a blaze of destruction. Instead, it will be a tribute to the man who embodied the show’s heart.
Social media has erupted with emotional messages:
“Herrmann IS Chicago Fire.”
“No one can fill those boots.”
“David Eigenberg made me believe in kindness in chaos.”
Co-stars have already begun their quiet goodbyes.
Miranda Rae Mayo shared a touching behind-the-scenes photo with the caption:
“Forever my mentor. Forever my Herrmann.”
Taylor Kinney added:
“No one can fill those boots.”
With Eigenberg’s exit, Chicago Fire loses one of its last original cast members — a piece of the show’s foundation. Herrmann wasn’t just part of the team; he
Crew members say the locker room won’t sound the same.
“When David’s on set, there’s laughter,” one said. “When he’s gone, there’s silence.”
Although he is stepping away from acting, Eigenberg made sure to leave fans with a message of peace, closure, and gratitude:
“The spirit of Herrmann — his loyalty, his humor, his fire — that’s going to live on.”
When asked if he might ever return, even just once, he smiled.
“Never say never. But for now, I’m going home — and I’m happy.”
As one fan perfectly captured:
For viewers of Chicago Fire, David Eigenberg’s retirement is more than a cast change — it’s the end of a chapter that shaped the heart of the One Chicago universe. And while saying goodbye will be painful, his legacy will burn bright long after the final credits roll.