Tyra Banks is the New Host and Executive Producer of Dancing with the Stars

Supermodel and businesswoman, Tyra Banks will be the new host of “Dancing With the Stars,” the ABC reality dance competition.

The news comes just one day after it was announced that host Tom Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews would be parting ways with DWTS.

“I’ve been a fan of ‘DWTS’ since its beginning”

On Tuesday, ABC revealed in a press release, that the supermodel and businesswoman would be taking over the reigns as the show’s host. Moreover, Tyra will also become an executive producer on the series as well.

“I’ve been a fan of ‘DWTS‘ since its beginning, the TV personality said. “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,” Banks says as she recalls her supermodel days.

Banks also took the moment to honor DWTS’s long running host, Bergeron. “Tom has set a powerful stage. I’m excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting hats.”

The Official Announcement

ABC and BBC Studios previously announced Bergeron and Andrews’ departures from the show in a joint statement, earlier on Monday.

Bergeron’s tweet indicated that the decision came as a surprise. “Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me,” he tweeted. “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?,” Tom jokingly added.

Bergeron has co-hosted all 28 seasons of the dance competition show from 2005 through 2020, spanning 15 years and nearly 450 episodes.

“We can’t wait to welcome Tyra”

Karey Burke, president of ABC entertainment, released an official statement announcing Tyra’s new role, as well expressing her heartfelt gratitude towards Bergeron.

“Tom has been an integral part of the ABC family for nearly two decades. From hosting ‘AFV’ to ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ We are grateful for all he and Erin have done to make ‘Dancing’ a success.

As we gear up for the show’s 29th season, we can’t wait to welcome Tyra Banks to our ‘Dancing’ stage. Tyra is an award-winning multi-hyphenate 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.”

“This represents a landmark moment in our 28 seasons”

Next in line to welcome Tyra to the DWTS family was Valerie Bruce, General Manager of BBC Studios’ LA Productions. “Tyra Banks is an icon whose powerful presence, trademark confidence, and industry-leading achievements inspire us. We are proud to partner with ABC to welcome her as the new host of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ This represents a landmark moment in our 28 seasons producing ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as we take this iconic show in a new creative direction. We offer our sincere thanks to Tom and Erin, whom we will always consider part of the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family.”

“I will always cherish my days on set”

Erin Andrews who co-hosted with Tom Bergeron since 2014, broke her silence about her exit from the series. She wrote on Instagram, “Thank you ABC and the entire Dancing with the Stars family for 6 memorable seasons. 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 set, even if I wasn’t the best at walking in heels,” she joked.

Tyra’s Past Endeavors

In addition to her new hosting gig on DWTS, Banks was previously a co-host on the 12th season of America’s Got Talent and The Tyra Banks Show. The media Mogul is also the creator of popular reality TV series, America’s Next Top Model.

The new season of Dancing with the Stars is slated to premiere in the fall and the show holds a Monday 8 p.m. time slot on ABC’s upcoming prime-time schedule.

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