Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba shared her thoughts on the news that host Tom Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews were suddenly fired from the show.
ABC confirmed Monday that Bergeron, 65, and Andrews, 42, would not be returning for the show’s 29th season, and revealed Tuesday that Tyra Banks would step in as a presenter.
Inaba spoke about the news in a video clip of an episode of her CBS series The Talk, scheduled to air on July 21, where it began: “I feel like it was such sudden news.”
Opening: Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba has shared her thoughts on the news that host Tom Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews were suddenly fired from the show.
New Host: ABC confirmed Monday that Bergeron, 65, and Andrews, 42, would not be returning for the show’s 29th season, revealing Tuesday that Tyra Banks would step in as a presenter.
He added that his “heart was broken” for both Bergeron and Andrews, with no reason given for their removal, although a statement from the network said the show “will embark in a new creative direction.”
“I cried when I heard the news, and I think a lot of our fans did,” Inaba continued, before assuring them that both Bergeron and Andrews “will be fine.”
There has also been a lot of talk about Banks, 46, as Dancing With the Stars’ “first black host”, with Inaba setting the record straight.
Broken Hearts: She added that she was “broken hearts” for both Bergeron and Andrews, with no reason to remove them, although a statement from the network said the program “will take a new creative direction.”
“People have been saying that Tyra is the first black host for Dancing with the Stars, and I just want to clarify, because the first season we had Lisa Canning,” Inaba said.
Also, I don’t think this is how we should label it. She is our new hostess. Period. It has nothing to do with the color of your skin. I think it has to do with everything Tyra Banks is, ” he said, adding that while it will be a change, fans “will have to get used to it,” adding that they should “welcome him.”
Sheryl Underwood added that Banks will be the first solo host in DWTS history, and asked Inaba if he plans to return as a judge, along with Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman.
Clarify: “People have been saying that Tyra is the first black host for Dancing with the Stars, and I just want to clarify, because the first season we had Lisa Canning,” Inaba said.
Judge: Sheryl Underwood added that Banks will be the first solo host in DWTS history, and asked Inaba if he plans to return as a judge, along with Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman.
‘From now on, that is the plan. I just want everyone to meet Len [Goodman]Bruno [Tonioli] and I, that is the plan we will return to, “Inaba said.
He added that the network will make “the official announcement in a few weeks,” but did not want fans to worry, adding: “It seems that everything is fine.”
ABC announced in June that DWTS season 29 will return on its regular Monday schedule at 8 p.m.
Coming back: ‘From now on, that is the plan. I just want everyone to know Len [Goodman]Bruno [Tonioli] and I, that’s the plan we’ll go back to, “Inaba said
Filming is expected to begin this fall, with new safety guidelines to keep the cast and crew safe from COVID-19.
Valerie Bruce, general manager of LA Productions, BBC Studios, revealed that they are taking this iconic show in a new creative direction, ‘though it is unknown how the show will differ from the past 28 seasons.
She also offered “heartfelt thanks to Tom and Erin, whom we will always consider part of the Dancing with the Stars family.”
Bergeron had hosted the show, based on the British series Strictly Come Dancing, since its first season in 2005, with Andrews in 2014 as a co-host.
Guidelines: Filming is expected to begin this fall, with new security guidelines to keep the cast and crew safe from COVID-19.
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