'DWTS' host Julianne Hough fuels romance rumors with 'Bachelorette' alum Tanner Courtad after dinner date

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Julianne Hough, the cherished host of 'Dancing With the Stars', has ignited dating speculations following a dinner outing with Bachelorette alumnus Tanner Courtad on Thursday, December 5.

The 36-year-old 'Dancing With the Stars' pro was spotted exiting the Sportsman's Lodge shopping center in Studio City, California, after dining with the 31-year-old 'Bachelorette' alum, igniting speculation of a possible romantic connection.

Julianne Hough sparks dating rumors with Tanner Courtad after casual dinner outing

For their outing, Julianne Hough and Tanner Courtad opted for casual attire, both selecting activewear for the occasion. Hough donned a green puffer jacket paired with black leggings, while Courtad chose a black T-shirt complemented by matching shorts.

He gained fame for his role on Charity Lawson's season of 'The Bachelorette' in 2023 and also appeared on 'Bachelor in Paradise' within the same year.

In August, rumors circulated that Courtad had a brief romance with Brittany Cartwright following her separation from Jax Taylor.

Page Six reports that, at the time, a source informed the Daily Mail that the ABC celebrity and the Bravo star have been "hanging out together" and Cartwright, 35, had appeared to be "happier lately."

They are said to have met at a 'Bachelorette' viewing party at Jax's Studio City bar, co-owned by the reality star and her estranged husband.

Before the rumors of a romance with Cartwright, Courtad was associated with his 'Bachelor in Paradise' co-star, Olivia Lewis.

Julianne Hough remains open to love after divorce from Brooks Laich

Julianne Hough has not publicly entered a new relationship since her separation from Brooks Laich. They announced their divorce in 2020, which was finalized two years afterward.

Nevertheless, the star of 'Safe Haven' has shown openness to a new romance, engaging in on-camera flirtation with 'Dancing With the Stars' contestant Danny Amendola during the show's most recent season.

"Look, my heart is open," the 35-year-old dancer expressed to People magazine in July her willingness to embrace life's possibilities, stating she is "ready for whatever is right" for her and will not "force" a romance that doesn't come naturally.

"I'm very happy," she adds. "So, it's got to be something really special."

Hough expressed to PEOPLE that she takes pride in her physique, maintaining it not only for mental health benefits but also appreciating the aesthetics that result from a consistent workout routine.

“The result is that the body looks good, too, so I'm okay with that,” she says with a laugh. “I will say nutrition and food is probably the bigger focus for me now that I'm in my thirties.”