In an interview with E News, Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba confirms that she will be returning to the show when it moves to streaming only on Disney+ this fall. Derek Hough has confirmed his return to the panel. And Bruno Tonioli quit the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing panel so that the could concentrate on DWTS. Len Goodman hasn’t confirmed what he’s doing, but don’t be surprised if he takes his seat at the panel as well.
Of course we want Tyra!
The big question is whether the polarizing Tyra Banks, who has hosted the show for two seasons. will return for season 31. Carrie Ann assures E that the current cast want Tyra to return. “Of course, we want Tyra!” she said. “The thing about Dancing with the Stars is, once you’re on our show, you’re in the family. That’s so precious. We truly are family. Not many shows are as close as we are.”
However, reports say that pro-dancers on the show resent that opening numbers have been replaced by Tyra making a grand entrance in a flashy outfit every week. What’s more, the producer, Andrew Llinares, who hired her after firing the beloved duo of Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews got fired himself after last season’s flat ratings. While Tom and Erin are seasoned broadcasters and made hosting a live show look easy, Tyra came aboard to remind everyone that live hosting is, indeed NOT EASY with a series of mistakes.
Carrie hints at format changes
As far as moving to Disney+ from ABC, Carrie is excited. “I will be definitely there next season at the judges’ table where I normally sit. I’m very excited about it,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a really good change. After 30 seasons, some shows don’t make it that far. The fact that we’re still evolving and trying new things, it says a lot about our brand.”
She also hints at changes. “It’s a little bit different,” Carrie Ann told E! News. “I think the difference is maybe live voting across the country. Maybe there’s gonna be some things that will come along with the scripts that I think people are gonna love. People don’t always like change, but I think they’ll adapt.”
