Tyra Banks joins ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as show’s first solo Black female host
Supermodel Tyra Banks is headed to the ballroom as the new host of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” the network announced Wednesday.
Banks, co-creator and former host of “America’s Next Top Model,” will replace Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews as host of the long-running celebrity dance competition that has seen champions including former NFL running back Emmitt Smith, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, singer Donny Osmond and others.
Banks, 46, told “Good Morning America” she’s excited to be joining the “Dancing” family.
“I am excited about hosting and executive producing — getting in there, live TV, you never know what happens on live TV,” she said Wednesday.
Banks will be the show’s first solo Black female host, according to ABC. Actress Lisa Canning hosted alongside Bergeron during the first season of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2005.
“I like breaking those doors down so that we don’t have any more firsts,” the former Victoria’s Secret angel told “GMA.” “But it’s nice to be first, right? So that you can open that door and let so many other people in after you. So I’m excited.”
The news comes just days after Bergeron, who hosted the show for 28 seasons, announced he wouldn’t be returning. In a Twitter post, he wrote that he had just “been informed” of the network’s decision.
“It’s been an incredible 15-year run and the most unexpected gift of my career,” Bergeron added. “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, who co-hosted with Bergeron for six seasons, also wrote a farewell message to fans via Instagram, saying she would “always cherish my days on that set, even if I wasn’t the best at walking in heels.”
ABC and BBC Productions, which produce the competition series, explained their decision for the change and said the show is heading in “a new creative direction,” CNN reported. News of the shake-up drew mixed reactions among “Dancing” fans.
“Tom and Erin were fantastic hosts!” a Twitter user wrote. “Nothing against Tyra, but I don’t understand this move at all. Like they say, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ ”
“I’m sure Tyra will do an excellent job but personally I will miss Tom Bergeron,” wrote another. “I’ll just have to see if DWTS will be worth my time.”
Others congratulated Banks on the new gig, writing, “I can’t wait to see you host the show. [You’re] awesome.”
In a statement, Banks praised Bergeron for setting “a powerful stage” and said she looked forward to continuing the legacy.
This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 11:45 AM with the headline "Tyra Banks joins ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as show’s first solo Black female host."