‘DWTS’: Carrie Ann Inaba Answers If the Beloved Judges Are Returning After Host Firings
Fans of Dancing with the Stars were thrown off by the news that Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were fired. Is there more change to come for the new season? Carrie Ann Inaba answers whether the beloved judges are returning.
Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were fired from ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Bergeron has been the longest-running host on Dancing with the Stars. Fans have also enjoyed Erin Andrews acting as his co-host. So it was shocking news that they won’t be returning next season.
“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?” Bergeron tweeted on July 13.
Andrews also released a statement on Twitter. “Thank you ABC and the entire Dancing with the Stars family for six memorable seasons. Those years wouldn’t have been as special without my loving host Tom Bergeron, the talented dancers, and witty judges. I will always cherish my days on that set, even if I wasn’t the best at walking in heels,” read her message.
Bergeron later tweeted on July 15, “I guess I won’t be getting back my monogrammed towels.” Andrews then tweeted, “You got towels @Tom_Bergeron??”
Tyra Banks is replacing them
Only one person is stepping into their place. That would be Tyra Banks, who previously hosted America’s Got Talent.
“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 a news release, according to CNN.
Fans aren’t happy about this change. Some have threatened to quit watching. One judge has admitted to being emotional about the news too.
Carrie Ann Inaba said the judges are returning
The fans weren’t the only ones shocked about the hosts not returning. It sounds like the judges were too.
Inaba talked about the news on The Talk. “I feel like it was just such sudden news,” she said. “My heart breaks for Tom and Erin.”
The judge revealed how she emotionally reacted to the news. “I cried when I heard the news, as well as, I think a lot of our fans did,” she said. Inaba went on to correct people’s claim that Banks will be making history for the show.
“Season 1 we had Lisa Canning [co-host with Bergeron],” she said. “Also, I don’t think that’s how we should be labeling her. [Banks is] our new host. Period. It has nothing to do with the color of her skin.”
Some may wonder if there will be any further changes when it comes to the cast. Inaba answered if judges Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli will return. “As of now, that is the plan,” she said.
That should be reassuring to some fans. Season 29 will premiere in fall 2020.
