Is Tom Bergeron returning to 'Dancing with the Stars'?
- - Is Tom Bergeron returning to 'Dancing with the Stars'?
Edward Segarra, USA TODAY November 6, 2025 at 5:05 AM
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It's time for Tom Bergeron to dust off his dancing shoes.
The television personality and former host of "Dancing with the Stars" is set to return to the ballroom with an upcoming appearance on the ABC reality competition program as a guest judge. Bergeron, one of the original hosts of the series, helmed the dance show for 28 seasons from 2005-2019.
"I'm anticipating that it's going to be a wonderfully emotional, nostalgic night," Bergeron told TV Insider in an interview published Wednesday, Nov. 5. "It's going to be great. And I'll tell you, it's so much fun to watch my friends do the work."
The latest season of "Dancing with the Stars" is hosted by "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" alum Alfonso Ribeiro and actress and dancer Julianne Hough. Bergeron's longtime former costars Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli have remained as judges.
"I don't have to throw to commercials. I don't have to worry about the timing," Bergeron continued. "I'll be respectful and sensitive of what Alfonso has to deal with, 'cause I've been there. But I'm just looking forward to being in an environment surrounded by people I really care about on live television, where there's no second take. It's my happy place."
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Bergeron, who previously hosted the classic game show "Hollywood Squares," solidified his emcee prowess with his decade-and-a-half stint on "Dancing with the Stars." The TV host won a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding host for a reality-competition program in 2012, as well as consecutive Critics Choice Television Awards for best reality show host in 2012 and 2013.
In July 2020, Bergeron revealed he was let go from the show, along with then-cohost Erin Andrews. In a statement to USA TODAY at the time, ABC and production company BBC Studios said Bergeron and Andrews would be replaced due to the show's "creative new direction."
Tom Bergeron, winner of outstanding host for a reality or reality-competition program for "Dancing with the Stars," poses in the press room during the 64th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sept. 23, 2012.
Although Bergeron called "DWTS" the "most unexpected gift of my career" at the time of his firing, the TV personality harbored some hard feelings.
In an October 2023 interview with show alum Cheryl Burke, Bergeron said he would "never" return to the series. He also detailed his rift with the show, which he said began with the "betrayal" he experienced in his final 2019 season when producers cast former Donald Trump aide Sean Spicer.
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When does Tom Bergeron return to 'Dancing with the Stars'?
Bergeron's "Dancing with the Stars" return will take place on the "20th Birthday Party" episode, which marks the 20th anniversary of the show. The episode is set to air on ABC on Nov. 11.
As for what fans can expect when Bergeron puts on his judging hat? "It's going to be very similar to my hosting style: somewhat loose and unpredictable," Bergeron told TV Insider.
"I'm really curious to see what it is the judges are writing all the time," he added. "You know, Carrie Ann has a journal that Tolstoy would envy, and Bruno and Derek are writing stuff. To me, that's like texting when you're driving. Watch the dance. You'll remember what happened."
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It seems that time heals all wounds for Bergeron and his "Dancing with the Stars" family.
In a July interview with USA TODAY, the former "DWTS" host teased a possible return to the show after staying in touch with original executive producer Conrad Green.
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"He's been largely responsible for getting the show back on track," said Bergeron, who declined Green's invitation to attend 2024's 500th episode celebration. "I said that I'd get too fidgety sitting in the audience."
However, Bergeron said he and Green discussed a guest appearance for Season 34: "We did have lunch, and we did talk, and I offered a scenario where I might come back for a night in a certain capacity."
Contributing: Bryan Alexander and KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tom Bergeron returning to 'Dancing with the Stars' as guest judge
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
