‘DWTS’: Why Tyra Banks Is Taking Over as Host After Tom Bergeron & Erin Andrews’ Exits
A lot of shows are getting revamped in the times of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Production crews are having to figure out how to film safely in person or switch their shows to a virtual format. Dancing with the Stars is also feeling these struggles. But in a shocking twist, DWTS has decided to shake things up even more and replace hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews with supermodel Tyra Banks.
Erin Andrews and Tom Bergeron’s exits
Bergeron has been the host of DWTS for 15 years. For 28 seasons of the show, he’s been the face of the production. Andrews joined Bergeron six years ago as co-host. But now, they are both out.
It seems that Bergeron found out about the change around the same time that fans did.
“Just informed @dancingABC will be continuing without me,” he wrote in a note posted to Instagram. “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?”
Andrews also penned a note on Instagram, thanking Bergeron, ABC, and the DWTS family.
Tyra Banks as the new host
DWTS was quick to announce that Banks would be the new host of the show. She will also executive produce DWTS.
“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,” she said in a statement obtained by HollywoodLife. “Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting hats.”
Why did ‘DWTS’ change the host?
Lately, the racial inequalities that have been plaguing America for centuries have been brought to the forefront. More networks are making an effort to have diverse shows and casts on their projects. Sources close to the show have said that this is part of the reason that Andrews and Bergeron were replaced.
“The show absolutely loved what both Erin and Tom have done and they will be missed,” the source told the outlet. “But the producers were also looking to mix things up since this season is going to be the most unique version of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ ever. The show wants to add some diversity to the hosts.”
Fan reactions to the new host
Fans of the show were not happy with the sudden switch up.
“You fired Tom Bergeron?” one fan tweeted. “You really FIRED TOM BERGERON? What moron made that stupid-a*s decision? Wow. #DWTS.”
“Does ABC not realize how beloved Tom Bergeron is?” another person wrote. “He’s been there since the beginning (in 2005!) and actually loves the show. Such a bad decision.”
“Shame on ABC for firing Tom Bergeron from ‘Dancing With The Stars’!” another fan commented. “He should have had a lifetime contract.”
And some people worried that the show wouldn’t even have the same appeal.
“Something that @DisneyABCTV doesn’t seem to get is that the pros and presenters of #DWTS are now more famous to fans of the show than 90% of the ‘stars’ in it,” one person tweeted. “You take them out, you kill the show. Firing Tom is outrageous.”
