Tyra Banks named new host of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ after Tom Bergeron, Erin Andrews exit

Tyra Banks is waltzing onto “Dancing with the Stars.”

The former supermodel and “America’s Next Top Model” host has been tapped as the new host of ABC’s reality dancing show, the network announced early Wednesday.

“I’ve been a fan of ‘DWTS’ since its beginning,” Banks said in a statement. 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. Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting hats.”

Banks will step into the dancing shoes of Tom Bergeron, the longtime “DWTS” host whose exit was announced Tuesday. Erin Andrews will also not return for the upcoming season.

“As we gear up for the show’s 29th season, we can’t wait to welcome Tyra Banks to our ‘Dancing’ stage,” ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke said in a statement.

“Tyra is an award-winning multihyphenate whose fierce female prowess and influence across many industries have made an indelible mark. Her fresh take on America’s favorite dancing competition will surely bring more than a ‘Smize’ to fans everywhere.”

The 46-year old has also been named an executive producer on the show.

Banks, the first black model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition, created and hosted “America’s Next Top Model” for 22 seasons until it was canceled in 2015, then hosted the second season of the revived modeling competition show in 2018.

Her own talk show, “The Tyra Banks Show,” lasted five seasons and she hosted two cycles of “America’s Got Talent,” along with a series of roles in movies like “Life Size” and “Love & Basketball.”

“Dancing with the Stars” is expected to return this fall, but the coronavirus shutdown has left production stalled.

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