Tyra Banks to Replace Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews on Dancing with the Stars
It’s official!
ABC and BBC Studios’ Los Angeles production arm announced Tuesday that after 28 seasons, Tom Bergeron will exit Dancing with the Stars, with Erin Andrews also departing. ABC will welcome supermodel and businesswoman Tyra Banks into the ballroom as the show’s new host and executive producer.
Tyra will work in collaboration with the show’s executive producer/showrunner, Andrew Llinares to bring her energy and inspiration to the creative refresh the team is planning while honoring the show America loves.
“I’ve been a fan of ‘DWTS’ since its beginning … The fun mixed with raw emotion, seeing celebrities push past their comfort zones, the sizzling dance performances … it’s always transported me to my days of turning it up 10 notches on the catwalk,” said Banks. “Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting hats.”
Tyra to Bring Fresh Take, ABC and BBC Thank Tom and Erin
“Tom has been an integral part of the ABC family for nearly two decades, from hosting ‘AFV’ to Dancing with the Stars, “We are grateful for all he and Erin have done to make Dancing a success,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “As we gear up for the show’s 29th season, we can’t wait to welcome Tyra Banks to our Dancing stage. Tyra is an award-winning multi hyphenate whose fierce female prowess and influence across many industries have made an indelible mark. Her fresh take on America’s favorite dancing competition will surely bring more than a ‘Smize’ to fans everywhere.”
Valerie Bruce, general manager, LA Productions, BBC Studios, said: “Tyra Banks is an icon whose powerful presence, trademark confidence, and industry-leading achievements inspire us. We are proud to partner with ABC to welcome her as the new host of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ This represents a landmark moment in our 28 seasons producing ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as we take this iconic show in a new creative direction. We offer our sincere thanks to Tom and Erin, whom we will always consider part of the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family.”
Tom Bergeron shocked when ABC fired him
Sources close to Tom Bergeron tell TMZ the news came as quite a shock to him, and he was only informed of his departure this week. He announced his departure on Monday: “Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me,” Tom wrote on Twitter. “It’s been an incredible 15 year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I’m grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?”
Hosts Tom Bergeron, Erin Andrews FIRED from Dancing with the Stars
“Thank you ABC and the entire Dancing with the Stars family for 6 memorable seasons,” Erin responded on Instagram. “Those years wouldn’t have been as special without my loving host Tom Bergeron, the talented dancers, and witty judges.”
In a statement, ABC said they were embarking on a “new creative direction” while thanking both hosts for their contributions
Tyra has had a long hosting career, but can she fill Tom Bergeron’s shoes?
Tyra has a 3 decade career as a supermodel and television and movie personality. She hosted and produced America’s Top Model for 22 seasons from 2003 until 2015. She also helmed her own talk show for CW, The Tyra Banks Show.
But here’s the thing: Tyra hosted America’s Got Talent for two seasons, in 2017 and 2018, and was a clear step down from her predecessor, Nick Cannon. She’s an experienced host, but is awkward and slow on her feet in a live setting. Tom Bergeron is the ultimate broadcaster, and could run rings around Tyra if the two were pitted against each other in a contest.
I could see her as a replacement for Erin. But I suspect it was either top billing for the top model, or no deal. Dancing with the Stars has been down in the ratings for the last couple of years. I would imagine ABC is looking for any way to reboot the franchise. But replacing Tom Bergeron with Tyra Banks ain’t it.
