Tom Bergeron to Return to ‘Dancing With The Stars’ as Guest Judge
Original host Tom Bergeron will return to Dancing With The Stars as a guest judge for a special 20th-anniversary episode airing on Tuesday, November 11.
Bergeron, who hosted the show since its debut in 2005, expressed his enthusiasm for the return, stating “It feels really good,” and “I’m really looking forward to it” in an appearance on Good Morning America today. His departure in 2020 followed public criticism of the show’s decision to cast Sean Spicer, then-Press Secretary for President Donald Trump, in Season 28.
The casting of Spicer stemmed from a disagreement with showrunners regarding the show’s role during a politically charged time. Bergeron recalled conversations in 2019 where he and producers agreed to keep the show a “wonderful escape from that divisiveness” of the upcoming 2020 election cycle. He explained on a podcast with DWTS alum Cheryl Burke that he was later informed Spicer would be joining the cast, leading him to release a statement criticizing the decision. “Guys, this is exactly what we said we wouldn’t do,” Bergeron said he told producers at the time. This controversy ultimately led to Bergeron being offered a release from his contract, a move that signaled a shift in the show’s direction. You can find more information about the show’s history on the official ABC website.
Erin Andrews also departed after Season 28, and Tyra Banks subsequently took over hosting duties. Bergeron’s return is seen by many fans as a welcome acknowledgement of his significant contribution to the show’s success over its two decades on air.
Producers have not indicated whether Bergeron’s appearance will extend beyond the anniversary special, but confirmed he will be joining the judging panel for the November 11th broadcast.
