Model, host, producer and entrepreneur Tyra Banks is set to become the next host of Dancing With The Stars. Banks will also join the show as an executive producer.
“I’ve been a fan of DWTS since its beginning,” Banks said.
“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. Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting hats,” she added.
This announcement comes as ABC parts way with Tom Bergeron after fifteen years. While ABC did not provide a clear reason for Bergeron’s departure, the former host hinted that it may have had something to do with his critiques of the show’s casting process.
“A few months ago, during a lunch with DWTS‘ new executive producer, I offered suggestions for season 28,” Bergeron tweeted.
“Chief among them was my hope that DWTS, in its return following an unprecedented year-long hiatus, would be a joyful respite from our exhausting political climate and free of inevitably divisive bookings from ANY party affiliations. I left that lunch convinced we were in agreement. Subsequently (and rather obviously), a decision was made to, as we often say in Hollywood, ‘go in a different direction,” he continued.
The show will also be parting ways with Erin Andrews after six years.
Given the growing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unclear when the show will return to air. When it does, it will feature Banks at the helm.
