Derek Hough Gives Props to Tom DeLay, Wants Joanna Krupa to Chill

Derek Hough has two points to make about a pair of Dancing with the Stars contestants, each of which may surprise viewers:

Tom DeLay is a fun dude;
Joanna Krupa is not a bitch.

Speaking to E! News, the handsome hoofer said:

"Some people who you think are going to do great, you see them and you think, 'Wow, they're not as good as I thought.' Or some people like Tom DeLay, might come out here and rock everyone's world.

"I met [DeLay] the other day and he has so much charisma. He's just this lively guy. Sometimes that alone can do wonders for you."

As for Krupa, Hough's model of a partner, he wants her to relax.

"She's all worried that people are going to think she's a big bitch," Hough said. "But for me, she's not at all. She's very very sweet... The models always kind of have that stiff thing going on and not being able to loosen up. But she's working it out and doing good."

Dancing with the Stars premieres on ABC on September 21.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.