Not all major single-talent reality
competitions on TV involve “idol” singing. In 2004, British network BBC
launched a competitive dance program featuring contestant pairs – a celebrity
and a professional dancer each. “Strictly Come Dancing” was adapted in the US
by ABC the following year as “Dancing with the Stars” in 2005. Since its first
season, the program has been hosted by Tom Bergeron, who with the panel of
judges remained a constant fixture even as co-presenters came and went. On
Monday, July 13 however, Bergeron announced that the network was dropping him
ahead of the upcoming 29th season. The following day, his
replacement was announced.
Entertainment Weekly tells us that model and TV personality Tyra
Banks has been chosen by ABC to become the new host of “Dancing with the Stars”
following the departure of longtime presenter Tom Bergeron. This was announced
Tuesday, July 14, following which Banks released a statement expressing her fandom
for the show since its beginnings, and paying tribute to her predecessor. "The
fun mixed with raw emotion, seeing celebrities push past their comfort zones,
the sizzling dance performances,” she remarked, adding that it reminded her of
her modeling days. Of Bergeron she adds, “Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m
excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting
hats.”
Bergeron has been the presenting
face of “Dancing with the Stars” for 15 years by the time ABC decided to let
him go. Also not coming back for season 29 is his co-host Erin Andrews, who
came in on season 18 back in 2014. Analysts opine that the removal of the
65-year-old Bergeron and replacement with Banks, 46, was the network’s way of
giving the long-running competition series a makeover. Some observers note that
his departure notably came in the wake of Bergeron competing in season 3 of “The
Masked Singer” on rival network Fox.
Tyra Banks’ TV hosting record
ranges from her own self-named talk show (2005-10), the “America’s Next Top
Model” reality show along with its international editions (as guest judge), and
two seasons of “America’s Got Talent” on NBC. For Tom Bergeron, he is grateful
for the time he spent on the show, where he says he has made a lot of
friendships. The 29th season of “Dancing with the Stars” is expected
to kick off in fall of 2020 on ABC.
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