‘Dancing with the Stars’: Why Tom Bergeron Won’t Likely Return in Season 31
Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews got replaced as Dancing with the Stars hosts by Tyra Banks in season 29. But now that the ABC competition series is considering replacing Banks, DWTS fans wonder if Bergeron will return. We can’t see Bergeron coming back to host Dancing with the Stars, thanks to what he told Bob Saget.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ might replace Tyra Banks as host
Due to a drop in ratings during season 30, Dancing with the Stars executives might replace Banks as the show’s host. She joined the cast in season 29 and returned in season 30, much to many Dancing with the Stars fans’ dismay.
The Sun said ABC will meet with executives to “map out 2022.” A source also said they’re looking to sign “at least one major star” to host. Allegedly, BBC Studios executives in Los Angeles are “think[ing] big” about who could potentially replace Banks.
They want “at least one or ideally two major household names that fascinate fans.” More specifically, “an Oscar, Emmy, or Grammy-winning star who will make headlines on and off-screen.”
Tom Bergeron said ‘DWTS’ wasn’t the show that he ‘loved’ in season 28
Bergeron spoke candidly about his DWTS exit on Bob Saget’s Here for You podcast. “The show that I left was not the show that I loved,” he explained. “It was kind of obvious that we were butting heads [behind the scenes].” And while Bergeron looks back on his time hosting Dancing with the Stars “with really great fondness for the vast majority of it,” it’s unlikely fans will see him return in season 31.
What’s more, Bergeron still wants Dancing with the Stars fans to watch and support the show. “I … understand that, sure, it’s different, but there’s still very talented people who are going to be on your screens,” he told Saget. “I wasn’t surprised that was my last season, so there was no blue period. Actually, I think Erin and I had more fun being fired than virtually anybody.”
‘Dancing with the Stars’ executives decided on Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews’ exit
Bergeron and Andrews were let go from Dancing with the Stars after season 28. “Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me,” Bergeron, who had been hosting since 2005, tweeted in July 2020. “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.”
ABC and BBC Studios made it clear the decision was not Bergerons. “Tom Bergeron will forever be part of the Dancing with the Stars family,” the studio’s statement read (via Entertainment Tonight). “As we embark on a new creative direction, he departs the show with our sincerest thanks and gratitude for his trademark wit and charm that helped make this show a success.”
Very few details are available regarding Dancing with the Stars Season 31. Stay tuned to Showbiz Cheat Sheet for updates on who will host DWTS Season 31, casting information, and release date.
