Harry Shum Jr. is set to bring a nostalgic touch to the current season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), as he announces plans to incorporate elements from the beloved musical series Glee into his dance routines. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the actor reflected on how formative Glee has been in his career, stating that it was a significant part of his life.
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Currently a contestant on DWTS, Shum, 44, is partnered with professional dancer Jenna Johnson. The duo first paid tribute to Shum’s ongoing role in Grey’s Anatomy during their premiere dance. Now, as they prepare for the upcoming routines, Shum revealed that fans of Glee can expect fun Easter eggs from the series to appear in their performances.
During his initial performance, Shum and Johnson took to the stage with a cha-cha set to “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Shum noted the surprise nature of the collaboration, saying, “Anything can happen. This one was so unexpected how the whole thing came together — it was just like this works perfectly.” He emphasised that while there would be adjustments to their music selections, references from Glee would be integral to their dancing.
Johnson added that the objective was to include both subtle and overt nods to the series that ran for six seasons, from 2009 to 2015. Shum highlighted that working on Glee was instrumental in shaping his career and believes that these references will resonate with fans who appreciated the show.
In a particularly heartwarming moment, Shum and Johnson’s week 3 jive was dedicated to a song that features in Glee— “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Daryl Hall & John Oates. During the performance, Shum paid homage to his character Mike Chang by donning a fake mustache, reminiscent of a memorable scene from the show.
Interestingly, Shum’s former Glee co-stars, Amber Riley and Chris Colfer, were present in the audience during the week 3 routine, providing added excitement for viewers. Their appearance followed a revelation from Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy, who recently shared that he has completed a script for a potential revival, sparking further enthusiasm among fans of the series.
When asked if he would be involved in a Glee revival, Shum’s enthusiasm was palpable. “I’m always down to do that,” he stated, echoing the excitement many feel about the prospect of the show’s return. He described the era of Glee as a uniquely special time in his life and expressed his admiration for Murphy’s innovative approach.
Shum’s tenure on Glee was remarkable, with appearances in over 90 of the show’s 121 episodes, illustrating his deep connection to the series and its legacy. Fan interest in the show remains robust, as evidenced by Shum’s remarks about the enduring excitement surrounding a potential revival.
Dancing with the Stars continues to air every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, offering a platform for Shum to meld his past with his present and showcase his growth as a performer. As the season unfolds, viewers can look forward to a delightful blend of nostalgia and contemporary dance, brought to life by one of Glee’s cherished alumni.