Shocking news. ABC has fired Tom Bergeron as host of Dancing with the Stars. Tom posted the news on Twitter: “Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me,” Tom wrote on Twitter. “It’s been an incredible 15 year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I’m grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?”
Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me. It's been an incredible 15 year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I'm grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?
— Tom Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) July 13, 2020
Tom Bergeron has hosted Dancing with the Stars for 28 seasons, since it debuted on ABC in the summer 2005. Firing Tom from DWTS is akin to ABC replacing Ryan Seacrest on American Idol. Tom, whose broadcast career begin in Boston in the 1980s, is the glue that has held the franchise together.
Ratings have been down the last couple of seasons. But is replacing Tom the answer? Also, I wonder if Tom’s very vocal and very liberal political views are an issue here. On Twitter, he takes constant jabs at President Trump and the Republicans in power. Last year, he complained publicly after ABC casted former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. He mentioned being assured by ABC bosses there would be no divisive casting. And then it happened anyway.
Dancing with the Stars’ following tends to be older and more conservative. But then again, the network could be looking to “freshen” up the show with a younger host. Regardless, I think firing Tom is a mistake.
DWTS Co-Host Erin Andrews is ALSO FIRED
UPDATE: Co-host Erin Andrews is also OUT. ABC released a statement:
Tom Bergeron will forever be part of the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family. As we embark on a new creative direction, he departs the show with our sincerest thanks and gratitude for his trademark wit and charm that helped make this show a success. Erin will also not be returning, and we appreciate all that she brought to the ballroom. Fans have been rooting for her since she originally competed as a contestant back in 2010, and her signature sense of humor has become a hallmark of the show.
UPDATE: Erin Andrews Reacts
“Thank you ABC and the entire Dancing with the Stars family for 6 memorable seasons,” she wrote. “Those years wouldn’t have been as special without my loving host Tom Bergeron, the talented dancers, and witty judges.”
“I will always cherish my days on set, even if I wasn’t the best at walking in heels,” she added.
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