Last week, Tyra Banks revealed that she is leaving Dancing with the Stars after 3 seasons. Now, Disney announces that Julianne Hough will join Alfonso Ribeiro as co-host. Last season, Tyra served as the main host, while Alfonso conducted dancer interviews. It’s unclear if Alfonso will now take on the main MC role (As the more experienced host of the two, he probably should).
UPDATED: Deadline reports that Alfonso has been upped to DWTS emcee, and Julianne will take over his previous role which is to interview the dancers after their performances in the Celebraquarium, or Sky Box.
Julieanne is a two-time DWTS ballroom champion, winning with Olympian Apolo Anton Ohno and race car driver Helio Castroneves). She joined as a pro dancer in 2007, departing the show in 2009 to become a recording artist and actress. She returned to Dancing with the Stars in 2014 when she served as a permanent judge for three seasons and was also a judge on Season 14 of America’s Got Talent.
Her brother, Derek Hough, also a DWTS alum, will serve on the judges panel alongside veteran judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. The show will premiere it’s 32nd season this fall on Disney+.
Longtime head judge Len Goodman retired from the show at the end of last season. It appears that Disney will not replace him, sticking with a 3 judge panel.
“The incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night has been my family for the past 17 years”
“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,” Julianne says in an exclusive statement to Variety. “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, 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.”
Tyra replaced longtime hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews after they were shockingly fired ahead of Season 29. After hosting two seasons alone, Alfonso joined Tyra as a co-host for season 31.
“I’m really focused on business. Like crazy, crazy, crazy focused on business,” Tyra broke the news of her departure in an exclusive interview with TMZ. “I feel it’s time for me to focus on my business and entrepreneurship, and also producing more TV, but behind the scenes. I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor… I really, really want to focus on my business, and you can’t do that hosting a show. You’ll see me creating things, not just hosting things.”
