Tyra Banks Becomes 'Dancing with the Stars' New Host/EP As Former Host, Tom Bergeron Gets Cut Due To "New Direction" at ABC

Earlier this week, reports began circulating that Tyra Banks was set to become the new host for ABC’s ‘Dancing with the Stars‘ for its upcoming season.

Now the news has been confirmed, and former host Tom Bergeron who has been the host for 15 seasons since the show’s inception, took to social media to announce his departure.

Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me. 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 Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) July 13, 2020

According to CNN, Tyra’s onboarding will serve as more than just a fresh face as the host, she will also serve as executive producer, and other changes are on the horizon.

Banks will not only be the new host, but an executive producer, according to a news release from ABC obtained by CNN.”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,” Banks said in the news release.”Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting hats.”Longtime host Tom Bergeron on Monday broke the news that he will not be returning to the dancing competition show after 15 years in his role. Co-host Erin Andrews will also not be returning.
The decision comes as ABC and BBC Productions, which produce the series, say they are heading in “a new creative direction.”Bergeron had been host of “Dancing with the Stars” since the show began in 2005. Andrews had hosted since 2014.

Please join us in welcoming @tyrabanks as #DWTS host. Thank you to @Tom_Bergeron and @ErinAndrews for so many seasons of glitz, glamour, and good times! pic.twitter.com/onh91cRgZC

— Dancing With The Stars #DWTS (@DancingABC) July 15, 2020