Drew Scott's Next 'DWTS' Routine Takes Him Back to Darker Time: 'I Was Ready to Be Happy' Alone

"When I fell in love, my perception of life simply changed," says the Property Brothers star

Photo: Linda Phan/Instagram

Drew Scott is trading suits for dancing shoes! The Property Brothers host joined season 25 of Dancing with the Stars alongside #TeamHotProperty partner Emma Slater and is sharing his journey exclusively with PEOPLE. Check back each week for photos, videos and more, straight from the HGTV vet. Here, his top moments from week 8:

I’m so lucky to be dancing with BOTH of last year’s champions! We’re dancing the Waltz and then the Cha Cha for our Trio — I’ll have to mentally switch gears for each! The Waltz is definitely an emotionally charged one as we’re dancing to a song that really speaks to me. But the Cha Cha will really get the party going and will make you get up offa that thing!

1. Powering Through

Courtesy Drew Scott

This competition is getting so tough. At this point, we’re all running on fumes, exhausted from having to learn not one, but two dances again. But, I honestly am still pinching myself that I get to be a part of this amazing experience.

2. Throwback Tune

Courtesy Drew Scott

Emma and I are dancing to “Both Sides Now.” One thing I particularly enjoy is getting to tell stories through her beautiful choreography. With this song, I’m revisiting the time when I felt that I wasn’t designed to be a relationship kind of guy and I was ready to be happy with just pursuing my career goals. When I fell in love, my perception of life simply changed. I looked at things through a different lens — one of optimism and deeper meaning.

3. Trio Time

Courtesy Drew Scott

The Shad Squad is back! And together we are gonna paint the town RED! (That’s Rashad.Emma.Drew).
This week has been filled with endless laughter, chats about fashion, fun late night bites after rehearsals and of course, getting Rashad to share some tricks of the trade as a Mirror Ball champion.

4. Support System

Courtesy Drew Scott

I know I say this a lot but I can’t thank my wonderful partner, Emma, for being the best teacher, friend and all around amazing human. I’ve had more than a few moments of frustration this week and she is always able to talk me through it, helping me overcome anything I’m stuck on. You’ve taught me so much, Em!

5. Work Hard, Hula Harder

I don’t know who brought the hula hoop but it’s helping! This Cha Cha demands some major groove and soulful funk!

6. Time to Shine

Courtesy Drew Scott

This trio is ready to dazzle! It’s a feel-good dance that will make you wanna dance with us. Which is the point of all of this, isn’t it? I’ve really gotten addicted to dance and I hope this one gets you moving if you aren’t already dancing in your living room every Monday night!

Dancing with the Stars airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.