Tyra Banks will be the next host of ‘Dancing With The Stars’ a day after long time hosts, Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were said to be departing the show.
The U.S fashion mogul, Tyra Banks has been called upon as a replacement to the upcoming season of the ABC ‘Dancing With The Stars’ after a statement was released on Monday, announcing the departure of Tom Bergeron. She will also serve as an executive producer.
Tyra Banks speaking on her latest job, which she said she has been a fan since when the show began, said:
“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,” she said.
Tyra Banks in her statement continued where she honoured original host Bergeron, saying, “Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting hats.
News of Bergeron and Andrews’ exit came suddenly on Monday evening. Bergeron has been with the show for 28 seasons, since its inception, and Andrews had been co-hosting with Bergeron since season 18.
Bergeron tweeted that he was informed by ABC he would not be asked back to the show for the 29th season. His tweet indicated that the shakeup came as a surprise. “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.”
With the addition of Banks, “Dancing With The Stars” is getting a “creative refresh” for its 29th season, according to ABC, which did not provide any more details on changes for the upcoming fall season