Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews are leaving Dancing With the Stars as hosts. Bergeron took to Twitter on Monday to reveal that the show would be returning for a 29th season, but that he would be not returning as host.
“Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me,” Bergeron wrote. “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?”
Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me. 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 Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) July 13, 2020
ABC and BBC Studios released a joint statement to 360aproko confirming the news, and revealed that Andrews, his longtime co-host, will also be leaving the show.
“Tom Bergeron will forever be part of the Dancing with the Stars family. As we embark on a new creative direction, he departs the show with our sincerest thanks and gratitude for his trademark wit and charm that helped make this show a success,” the statement explained. “Erin will also not be returning, and we appreciate all that she brought to the ballroom. Fans have been rooting for her since she originally competed as a contestant back in 2010, and her signature sense of humor has become a hallmark of the show.”
Bergeron’s rep also responded in a statement to 360aproko, sharing, “ABC opted not to pick up Tom’s option. In the fine tradition of Hollywood cliches, they’re ‘going in a different direction.'”
The news came as a shock to fans, as Bergeron has been the host of Dancing With the Stars since its premiere in June 2005.
Several of Bergeron and Andrews’ longtime colleagues, including a few DWTS pros and former contestants, took to social media to share their appreciation for the hosts and their surprise at the news.
Tom, you are one of the kindest & most supportive people I’ve met in this industry! I enjoyed every interaction we ever had! You will always be 1 of my host hero’s (I mean ur book gave advice in the beginning) thank you & enjoy this next chapter. It will be great. @Tom_Bergeronhttps://t.co/kLt9CMOmNS— Karamo (@Karamo) July 13, 2020
Spending time with you @Tom_Bergeron was one of my favourite parts of the Dancing With The Stars experience. Thank you so much. ?? https://t.co/Wisu1TWoQ9— Bindi Irwin (@BindiIrwin) July 14, 2020
I love you. You are the best.There is no @DancingABC without you. They might as well cancil it. xoxoxoxoxo— Lea Thompson (@LeaKThompson) July 13, 2020
Legend!— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) July 14, 2020
After season 28 concluded last November — with Bachelorette star Hannah Brown and her pro partner Alan Bersten taking home the Mirrorball trophy — Bergeron appeared as a costumed contestant on the third season of Fox’s The Masked Singer.
