Tom Bergeron To Return To “DWTS” 5 Years After Abrupt Firing
on Nov 05, 2025
Tom Bergeron Hosted Dancing With The Stars For 15 Years
When Dancing With The Stars premiered on June 1, 2005, Tom Bergeron hosted the show alongside Lisa Canning. In Season 2, Canning was replaced by Samantha Harris, who hosted with Bergeron until Season 9.
Brooke Burke, who won Season 7, took over hosting duties in Season 10 until Season 17. Season 11 contestant and sportscaster Erin Andrews replaced Burke in Season 18 and was part of the show for 11 seasons.
In 2020, both Bergeron and Andrews were abruptly let go as hosts and replaced by Tyra Banks.
Bergeron made a statement on Twitter about his firing, saying, “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?”
Tyra Banks hosted the show for two seasons by herself and one season with Season 19 champion Alfonso Ribeiro. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor took over main hosting duties in 2023 with help from Julianne Hough and they have been hosting it together ever since.
Hough has experience on Dancing With The Stars as a former pro for five seasons and a judge for five seasons.
Bergeron publicly did not support Banks as host, but was overjoyed when Ribeiro and Hough took over.
You can see Bergeron’s reactions to both Ribeiro and Hough’s promotions below.
Dancing With The Stars Is Celebrating Its 20th Anniversary
On November 11, the show will be putting on a massive 20th Anniversary special, bringing back some of the original dance pros…and the original host!
Tom Bergeron was announced to be returning to the ballroom for the first time since his abrupt firing, and in a special role: guest judge!
Bergeron appeared on Good Morning America to reveal his involvement in the 20th Anniversary special. He appeared carrying a tray of donuts in honor of National Donut Day!
“It feels really good! I’m looking forward to it,“ he said of returning to the ballroom.
Bergeron credits original show runner Conrad Green, who has been back for a few years, on “extending an olive branch” and getting the host to reminisce about all the amazing times he had on the show.
“I’m looking forward to getting back,” he said.
