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.
Banks will step into the dancing shoes of longtime co-hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews, who won’t be returning for the upcoming season.
“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.”
The 46-year old has also been named an executive producer on the show.
“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.”
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.” Banks has also had roles in movies like “Life Size” and “Love & Basketball.”
Bergeron had hosted “Dancing with the Stars” since its 2005 launch and his exit seemed to come as big a surprise to him as to longtime fans.
“Just informed (“Dancing with the Stars”) will be continuing without me,” he tweeted Monday night. “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 joined the cast in 2014 after taking third place during the 10th season.
“Thank you ABC and the entire ‘Dancing With the Stars’ family for 6 memorable seasons,” she tweeted Tuesday. “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.”
“Dancing with the Stars” is expected to return this fall, but the coronavirus shutdown has left production stalled.
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