Tyra Banks is joining the new season of Dancing With the Stars as a host. This news comes after longtime hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews announced their departure.
“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 who will also serve as executive producer of the season.
Tyra Banks expressed her enthusiasm in the following statement: “Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting hats.”
Bergeron and Andrews’ departure was very sudden and apparently it was a sideswipe as per Bergeron’s tweet. “Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me,” he tweeted. “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?”
“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 of 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 multihyphenate 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.”
