“DWTS” Names New Host After Tyra Banks’ Departure

Dancing with the Stars / Twitter

Last week, Tyra Banks announced she was leaving her role as the host of Dancing with the Stars after three seasons.

“I feel it’s really time for me to focus on my business and my entrepreneurship, and also producing more TV — but behind the scenes,” Banks said. “I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor…from the ballroom to the boardroom!”

Banks added:

“I’m an entrepreneur at heart…I think my heart, my soul, is into my business, it’s also into producing new TV…But, I really, really want to focus on my business, and you can’t do that hosting a show.”

After Banks’ announcement, DWTS fans wondered if her co-host (and Season 19 champion) Alfonso Ribeiro would return to the show.

Fans got their answer on Monday (March 20). ABC announced Ribeiro will be back in the ballroom for the next season of DWTS!

But he won’t be alone. Ribeiro will be joined by a brand-new co-host…someone who is familiar to longtime fans of the show.

Ribeiro’s new co-host is none other than Julianne Hough!

Hough started out on DWTS as a professional dancer for five seasons, two of which she won. Several years later, she returned to serve as a judge for a total of six seasons.

Her brother, Derek Hough, also competed as a professional dancer on the show (and won six times). He has served as a judge since Season 29.

Hough commented on the show’s hosting announcement on Instagram. She said she is, “Beyond excited and honored to be back in the Ballroom with all of you.”

According to People, Season 32 of DWTS will debut this fall on Disney+. This will mark the second year the popular competition series has aired live on the streaming platform.

Stay tuned for more updates about the DWTS as we get closer to the new season’s premiere! What do y’all think about Hough returning to serve as the show’s new host?