Tom Bergeron recently revisited his Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) departure. Bergeron hosted Dancing With The Stars from its first season in 2005 until Season 28. In 2020, ABC parted ways with him, hiring Tyra Banks to take his place at the time. Now, as DWTS celebrates its 20th anniversary during the November 11 episode, Bergeron returns to the sets of the reality dance show.
Tom Bergeron says he had already planned to leave DWTS before his firing
In an interview with Parade, Tom Bergeron revealed a few details regarding his firing as host from DWTS in 2020. The former host of Breakfast Time, Hollywood Squares and AFV told the outlet that he had already planned to leave DWTS. Over the years, Bergeron worked with multiple co-hosts on DWTS, including Lisa Canning, Samantha Harris, Brooke Burke, and Erin Andrews.
Bergeron explained his 2020 situation by saying, “The truth of the matter is, I wouldn’t have been the host now anyway, even if they hadn’t fired me.” He reportedly only had two more seasons left on his contract and shared how he also left America’s Funniest Home Videos at a predetermined time. Further he opened up about how everything landed up working in his favor. He explained how he wouldn’t have been able to do the things he loved about the show, like throwing mid-season parties, due to COVID.
Further speaking about his return to DWTS for the show’s 20th Anniversary celebration, he said, “To be honest, had I gone the whole 30 seasons, this is probably the way I’d go back anyway.” Bergeron arrived on the DWTS Season 34 set alongside host Alfonso Ribeiro during the 20th Birthday Party Night Opening Number.
“I’m anticipating that it’s going to be a wonderfully emotional, nostalgic night,” he told TV Insider earlier, about returning to the show. “I’m just looking forward to being in an environment surrounded by people I really care about on live television, where there’s no second take. It’s my happy place,” he added.
Originally reported by Elton Fernandes on Comingsoon.
