Tom Bergeron, the beloved host of the hit show ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for 28 seasons, made a surprising exit in 2020, leaving fans wondering why. Bergeron, who had been with the show since its premiere in 2005, revealed that he was let go due to differing opinions on casting decisions and the show’s overall direction. Reflecting on his departure, Bergeron admitted on Bob Saget’s podcast in 2021 that the show he left was not the one he loved, expressing that there were behind-the-scenes clashes that made his exit inevitable.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/tom-bergeron-DWTS-110525-2-8e257841149d4d5a88db08fdbf3d8780.jpg)
Despite his candid feelings about ‘Dancing with the Stars’, Bergeron decided to make a comeback as a guest judge on the show’s 20th-anniversary celebration episode. Throughout his tenure on the show, Bergeron co-hosted with various personalities, including Lisa Canning, Samantha Harris, Brooke Burke, and Erin Andrews. His departure in 2020 coincided with a major shakeup in the show’s lineup, as ABC announced that both Bergeron and Andrews would not be returning for the next season.
In a statement, ABC and BBC Studios thanked Bergeron for his contributions to the show and acknowledged his trademark wit and charm. Executive producer Andrew Llinares later explained that Bergeron’s departure was part of the show’s evolution towards a new creative direction to appeal to both existing and new audiences. Bergeron himself shared his gratitude for the 15-year run on the show, acknowledging the friendships he made and the unexpected gift it had been in his career.
One of the key factors leading to Bergeron’s exit was the show’s decision to cast President Donald Trump’s former White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, in season 28. Bergeron expressed his disappointment with the producers’ choice to introduce political elements into the show, contrary to what had been discussed in a meeting earlier. Despite his efforts to avoid political affiliations on the show, Spicer’s inclusion marked a turning point for Bergeron, ultimately leading to his decision to part ways with ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
In a recent announcement that surprised fans, Bergeron is set to return to ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as a guest judge for the show’s 20th-anniversary episode. Expressing his excitement for the upcoming appearance, Bergeron highlighted the emotional and nostalgic significance of the occasion and his joy in reuniting with past champions and competitors. His return to the show, albeit in a different capacity, signifies a full-circle moment for the beloved host and a chance for fans to reminisce on the show’s history.
Following Bergeron’s departure, Tyra Banks took over as the sole host of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, before being joined by Alfonso Ribeiro in subsequent seasons. Bergeron’s return as a guest judge marks a special moment for the show and its dedicated fan base, offering a glimpse into the past while celebrating its 20-year milestone. With Bergeron’s extensive experience and undeniable charisma, his presence on the show’s anniversary episode is sure to be a memorable and heartwarming moment for fans and participants alike.