After three seasons as the host of Dancing with the Stars, Tyra Banks is not returning for the show’s upcoming season this fall.
“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 announced last week. “I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor…from the ballroom to the boardroom!”
Banks hosted solo for her first two seasons. Last season, she co-hosted the show with Season 19 DWTS champion (and her former The Fresh Prince of Bel Air co-star) Alfonso Ribeiro.
While Banks is not returning for DWTS‘ next season, Ribeiro is. He’s also getting a new co-host, who’s someone DWTS fans know well.
On March 20, DWTS announced Julianne Hough will take Banks’ place as Ribeiro’s co-host on DWTS. Hough first competed as a professional dancer on the show for five seasons, and won twice.
She later returned to serve as a judge from 2014-2017. Now she’s back again, this time as a co-host!
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Hough commented on DWTS‘ post announcing her return. She said she is, “Beyond excited and honored to be back in the Ballroom with all of you.”
Variety spoke with Hough about her new role on DWTS. She shared her feelings about taking Banks’ place on the show as Ribeiro’s co-host, saying:
“It is such an honor to be rejoining ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as co-host. The show holds such a special place in my heart from the many years and different roles I have had the privilege of being a part of. The incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night has been my family for the past 17 years. I am so excited to reunite with Alfonso, Carrie Ann, Bruno, [her brother] Derek, the unbelievably talented pros, and the amazing cast on the dance floor. The energy is magnetic every time you step foot in to the ballroom and I can’t wait to feel it again — and of course to share it all with the absolute best and most loyal fans — for another exciting season.”
We can’t wait for Hough to return to the ballroom!