Julianne Hough's Husband Brooks Laich Is an Ex-hockey Player Who First Saw Her in a TV Advert

Former "Dancing with the Stars" winner Julianne Hough has been setting stages on fire with her exceptional dancing skills since her appearance in the ABC game show called "Show Me the Money" in 2006. The professional dancer recently got married to former ice hockey forward Brooks Laich. Here are the juicy details about their relationship.

Fans across the world have grown to love the beautiful dancer who makes a powerful combination with her brother Derek Hough, who is also a professional dancer. The blonde beauty recently served as a judge in the 2019 season of "America's Got Talent."

Brooks Laich and Julianne Hough at the Paint & Sip & Help event on October 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Getty Images

Over the years, the famous dancer has been involved in several serious romantic relationships, including her much-publicized relationship with American Idol host and entertainment guru Ryan Seacrest back in 2010. The two were an item for three years but were unable to take the relationship to the next level.

Before dating Ryan, Julianne dated Zack Wilson in 2005, and the pair later got engaged. The two called it quit in 2007. The talented actress/dancer is also rumored to have dated casually - Dane Cook, Kevin Connolly, and Jared Followill.

In 2014, Julianne finally found her Prince charming in Brooks Laich, and the pair have been together ever since.

BROOKS LAICH MEETS JULIANNE HOUGH

Julianne Hough's husband, Brooks Laich, was born Evan Brooks Laich on June 23, 1983, in Wawota, Canada. The former NHL star, famously known as Brooks by his fans, was named after another sports icon — third baseman, Brooks Robinson.

Brook's father, Harold Laich, named his son after the Orioles Hall of Famer because he was a life-long fan of the player.

Channeling the energy from his famous name, Brooks, 36, went on to have a successful career in the NHL, representing four different teams — the Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Los Angeles Kings.

Julianne Hough and her husband Brooks Laich kiss on the red carpet at the Industry Dance Awards at Avalon Hollywood, on August 14, 2019, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Brooks and Julianne were introduced by actor Teddy Sears who is a mutual friend to the pair, while he and Julianne were on the set of the horror film "Curve." The exact details of how the couple met vary slightly, depending on who's telling the story.

Speculations about the couple's marriage being on the rocks continue to hold much value.

In December 2013, Julianne traveled to Washington D.C. with Sears and met Brooks for the first time. Brooks returned the favor and flew in from D.C. to visit the 31-year-old dancer in Los Angeles. During his visit, the couple was spotted out in public for the first time by paparazzi.

The former NHL star revealed in a 2017 Instagram post while celebrating the anniversary of their relationship that he asked Julianne to be his girlfriend on February 16, 2014.

During an interview with Redbook, in July 2014, Julianne gushed about her newfound love. The blonde bombshell explained that before her relationship with Brooks, she had not been entirely comfortable with her partners. In her words:

"Every relationship, there was nothing wrong or bad, but there was nothing right. I had one foot out because I didn't want to get hurt."

The couple announced their engagement via Instagram on August 18, 2015. Later in September that same year, the lovebirds hosted family and friends to a classy engagement party.

BROOKS AND JULIANNE EARLY MARRIAGE TROUBLES

After dating for over three years, Brooks and Julianne finally tied the knot on July 8, 2017. The wedding was attended by over 200 guests made up of their closest family and friends.

The "America's Got Talent" judge looked stunning in a strapless custom Marchesa gown that was paired with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry while the groom looked dapper in a tuxedo by Brooks Brothers.

The couple's wedding bliss was initially interrupted by the TV personality's decision not to take up her husband's last name. During the latest installment of his iHeartRadio podcast "How Men Think," the athlete revealed that he initially thought his wife not taking his last name would become a problem in their marriage. He said in a part of the podcast:

"I don't find it disrespectful. I'm obviously open to it, but at the start, yeah, it was a little jarring for me."

Julianne Hough at the Netflix Premiere of Dolly Parton's Heartstrings on October 29, 2019, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | Photo: Getty Images

Brooks continued, stating that he would like to see his wife change her stance in the future, especially when they start having kids whom he would want to have his last name.

In 2018, the couple made an appearance on Access and looked so good together as they dished on their fitness goals and how they motivate each other to stay fit.

After this appearance, the couple began experiencing marital issues, and things came to a head after the actress-singer came out as "not straight" during her cover interview with Women's Health in August 2019.

A few weeks later, the iconic Hockey player admitted that his wife's confession affected him. And if current feelers from sources close to the couple are anything to go by, then the couple is far from recovering from the early marriage setbacks.

Amid rumors of their marriage crisis, Julianne was spotted without her wedding ring at the beginning of the year during an intensive workout session with brother Derek Hough.

Lately, the professional dancer has made a habit of ditching her wedding band during public outings, including her trip to the Burbank Hollywood Airport to pick up her husband, Brooks.

The couple gave more credibility to the rumors about their marriage when it was gathered that they are currently self-isolating separately.

While Brooks is self-isolating alone in Idaho with his dog Koda, the "Dancing With the Stars" champion remains in Los Angeles, with the duo seemingly unbothered by the arrangement. Speaking about the situation with her husband, Julianne said:

"I've been on my own. My husband is in Idaho, doing lots of yard work. And so we're kind of doing our separate things right now, but it's really been a magical time."

Speculations about the couple's marriage being on the rocks continue to hold much value. A source close to the couple revealed that despite wanting to make it work with his wife Julianne Hough, Brooks Laich is now listening to the advice of people close to him who feel Julianne already has her own life and are encouraging him to focus on himself.

Brooks raised a lot of eyebrows earlier in the year when he posted a lengthy message on his Instagram account. He explained that he would be prioritizing his happiness going forward.

Much is still to be seen and heard from the once loved up couple. Hopefully, they figure a way to make their marriage work.

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