In an exciting turn of events, original host Tom Bergeron is set to return to Dancing With The Stars as a guest judge for the show’s highly anticipated 20th anniversary special. This special episode is scheduled to air on Tuesday, November 11. Bergeron expressed his enthusiasm about his return during an appearance on Good Morning America, stating, “It feels really good. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Bergeron, who has been the face of Dancing With The Stars since its inception in 2005, exited the show in 2020. His departure was largely attributed to his public criticism of the show’s decision to cast Sean Spicer, the former White House Press Secretary under then-President Donald Trump, as a contestant in Season 28. This controversial casting choice sparked significant backlash, leading Bergeron to voice his concerns.
During a podcast with DWTS alum Cheryl Burke, Bergeron recounted a meeting with the showrunners in 2019, where they discussed potential contestants for the upcoming season. He emphasized the importance of keeping the show a “wonderful escape from that divisiveness” prevalent in the 2020 election cycle. “In the summer of 2019, I had two lunches—one with that showrunner person and another one with his boss,” he recalled.
Bergeron articulated his concerns, suggesting that the show should avoid political figures to maintain its fun and lighthearted atmosphere. “I said, ‘Well look, 2019 is the threshold to an election year in America, we are a very divided country. Just nobody, of any party, don’t go there—just make us the wonderful escape from all that divisiveness for two hours a week,” he shared.
After these discussions, Bergeron received a phone call from the producers detailing the season's cast. He was taken aback when informed about Spicer's inclusion. “You might want to sit down for this last one,” the former showrunner had told him. Bergeron expressed his disappointment, stating, “Guys, this is exactly what we said we wouldn’t do. Don’t go there. This is not the right time, play to our strengths, be the show that gives people a break from all this bulls–t.”
This pivotal moment prompted Bergeron to publicly criticize Spicer’s casting through a statement that, while not naming any individuals or parties, voiced his discontent with the show's direction. “So I wrote the statement that I wrote, that did not name anybody, that did not name a political party,” he explained. “It merely said, ‘I was told certain things when I was asked my opinion, they agreed, and now they’ve thrown a curveball.’”
Following the fallout from these events, Bergeron understood that his time on Dancing With The Stars was likely coming to an end. He even offered to take a season off, but the producers opted to release him from his contract. Alongside him, co-host Erin Andrews also exited the show after that season, paving the way for Tyra Banks to take over as the new host.
As Bergeron prepares to make his return as a guest judge, fans of Dancing With The Stars eagerly await this special celebration of the show's legacy, hoping to see the charm and charisma that made him a beloved figure in the franchise.
