ABC announced that Tyra Banks will replace Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews as presenters for “Dancing with the Stars.”
The news comes just a day after Bergeron announced on Twitter that he will not return to the show for his upcoming 29th season after being his host since his 2005 debut. In a statement provided to Fox News, a 65-year-old representative – the old man Comedian explained that the move was ultimately the call of the net.
“ABC chose not to choose Tom’s option. In the good tradition of Hollywood cliches, they are “going in a different direction,” the statement says.
CELEBRITY ‘DANCING WITH THE STAR FANS REACTS TO THE EXIT OF TOM BERGERON FROM THE SHOW
Now, the network has confirmed that Banks, who co-created “America’s Next Top Model” and previously hosted “America’s Got Talent,” will take over as solo presenter and executive producer for the foreseeable future.
ABC has tapped Tyra Banks to replace Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews as presenters for ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
(Amy Sussman / Getty Images for ABA)
In a statement, Banks said she is a fan of the contest’s focus on “fun mixed with raw excitement, seeing celebrities overcome their comfort zones, sizzling dance performances … it has always carried me back to my days of going up 10 notches the catwalk. “
Banks praised Bergeron for setting “a powerful stage” and said she is excited to continue the legacy.
In his initial tweet, Bergeron seemed to subtly hint that the decision was not his, writing that he was “only informed” of the decision.
“I just reported that @DancingABC will continue without me,” he wrote Monday. “It has been an incredible 15 years and the most unexpected gift of my career. I am grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. With that said, what am I supposed to do with all these glitter masks?
Meanwhile, Andrews representatives did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment, but she went to Instagram on Tuesday with her own confirmation of her departure.
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“Thank you ABC and the entire Dancing with the Stars family for 6 memorable seasons,” he wrote. “Those years would not have been so special without my beloved host Tom Bergeron, the talented dancers, and the resourceful judges,” Andrews wrote. “I will always appreciate my days on set, even if I wasn’t the best walking in heels.”
In a joint statement by ABC and BBC obtained by Fox News, the networks assured that “Bergeron will always be part of the ‘Dancing with the stars’ family”.
“As we embark on a new creative direction, he leaves the program with our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for his characteristic wit and charm that helped make this program a success,” the statement said.
Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews are hosting ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
(Eric McCandless / Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)
Last year, Bergeron drew attention when he expressed concern over the show’s decision to include former White House press secretary Sean Spicer among contestants from last fall’s season.
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Bergeron then tweeted that he had suggested to producers that the new season be a “joyous respite from our exhausting political climate” and urged them to avoid “divisive reservations.”
Associated Press contributed to this report.
