‘Dancing With the Stars’ partners Jenn Tran, Sasha Farber joke about Derek Hough ‘shipping’ them — and whether they’ll ever kiss on live TV
Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber are down to lean into those showmance rumors — as long as it means improving their scores!
During Tuesday’s Disney Night on “Dancing With the Stars,” Tran, 26, and Farber, 40, performed a rumba to “Kiss the Girl” from “The Little Mermaid,” ending the routine with a sweet kiss on the forehead.
While receiving their critics from the judges, Derek Hough addressed their chemistry as Ariel and Prince Eric, admitting that, like many viewers, he “shipped” the two.
However, the professional dancer, 39, only gave them an 8 out of 10 for the performance — as did Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, resulting in a combined total score of 24/30.
When asked about Hough’s comments, Farber jokingly told Page Six that he and his dance partner will take his opinion into consideration if it means they get to stick around a little longer.
“It’s so cute,” the Australian-American dancer said, smiling. “But let’s just say, when he gives us a 10, then we will take that ship.”
Tran then doubled down on her partner’s proposal.
“We’ll kiss when Derek gives us a 10!” the former “Bachelorette” lead joked. “That’s when we will kiss.”
However, the six-time mirrorball champion wasn’t the only one from the Hough family who seemingly “ships” the partners.
After their dance, host Julianne Hough (Derek’s sister) pressed Farber about his decision to kiss Tran on the forehead rather than go for the real deal.
“But first, a kiss on the forehead? Sasha, come on,” Julianne joked, to which he replied, “Elegant, classy.”
Meanwhile, Tran interjected, joking, “He got nervous.”
However, the former Bachelor Nation star agreed that her “chemistry” with Farber “absolutely” makes “a difference” in their routines.
“I mean, I think if we didn’t have such a good relationship, like our dancing would be totally off,” Tran said.
“We trust each other so much. We know each other so well. So that’s why this works so well.”
Like the Houghs, many fans on social media have been going crazy over their partnership this season and speculating whether they could be more than just dance partners-turned-friends.
Farber split from fellow pro Emma Slater in February 2023 and the pair finalized their divorce one year later.
Tran, for her part, found love on her season of “The Bachelorette” with Devin Strader — only for him to call off their engagement shortly after leaving the show.
The reality TV star joined “DWTS” just days after the emotional finale aired and previously told Page Six that it’s been a healing experience for her.
Although Tran’s romance with Strader was short-lived, she has since been linked to Jonathon Johnson, who placed third on her season. The two have been spotted spending time together while Tran continues vying for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in Los Angeles.
“Dancing With the Stars” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
