Tom Bergeron makes “Dancing With the Stars” comeback
Former longtime host joins as guest judge on show’s 20th anniversary after contentious 2020 exit
Tom Bergeron is heading back to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom for the first time since his controversial departure five years ago. The 70-year-old television personality will serve as a guest judge on the Nov. 11 episode, which celebrates the show’s 20th anniversary milestone alongside regular judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.
Bergeron expressed excitement about returning to familiar territory, describing the upcoming appearance as a wonderfully emotional and nostalgic experience. He shared his anticipation for watching his friends perform the work while enjoying the freedom from hosting responsibilities like managing commercial breaks and timing concerns.
The veteran host acknowledged he would remain respectful and sensitive to current co-host Alfonso Ribeiro’s duties, drawing from his own extensive experience in that role. Bergeron characterized the ballroom as his happy place, emphasizing his eagerness to be surrounded by people he genuinely cares about in a live television environment where second takes don’t exist.
Long tenure ended abruptly in 2020
Bergeron’s association with Dancing with the Stars spanned an impressive 28 seasons, beginning with the show’s premiere in 2005. When news of his exit broke in 2020, he acknowledged the unexpected nature of the opportunity through social media, expressing gratitude for what he described as an incredible 15-year run and the most unexpected gift of his career. He also noted the lifelong friendships formed during his time with the production.
The circumstances surrounding his departure became clearer the following year when Bergeron revealed that his final season as host had been far from pleasant. He explained to podcast host Bob Saget in 2021 that the show he left behind no longer resembled the program he had grown to love over the years.
By the end of what would become his final season, Bergeron had sensed the writing on the wall. He took the precaution of removing everything he valued from his dressing room, recognizing that his time with the production was likely coming to an end. The host admitted he wasn’t surprised when season 28 became his last, as tensions had become increasingly obvious between himself and production leadership.
Behind the scenes tensions escalated
Despite the difficult conclusion, Bergeron maintained that he looks back on the majority of his hosting tenure with genuine fondness and positive memories. However, specific conflicts contributed to the deteriorating relationship between the longtime host and show producers.
The casting of former White House press secretary Sean Spicer proved to be the breaking point in Bergeron’s relationship with the production team. He had previously voiced concerns about featuring any politician on the 2019 season, particularly with the 2020 presidential election approaching. When informed that Spicer had been cast, Bergeron felt the decision directly contradicted earlier discussions about avoiding such controversial choices.
Bergeron recalled advocating for the show to play to its strengths by providing audiences with an escape from divisive political discourse rather than amplifying it. When he expressed his objections, a showrunner and producer suggested they could release him from his contract, a response that deeply upset the veteran host.
That moment of betrayal convinced Bergeron his time with the production had reached its conclusion. He reflected that prior to that incident, the show had been populated by people of character, suggesting a shift in the production’s values and priorities.
New chapter begins with anniversary appearance
The upcoming guest judging role represents a fresh chapter in Bergeron’s relationship with the program that defined much of his career. His willingness to return despite the contentious circumstances of his departure demonstrates both his professionalism and his genuine affection for the people involved with the production.
The 20th anniversary episode provides an appropriate occasion for this reunion, allowing longtime fans to see a familiar face return to the ballroom while honoring the show’s history. Bergeron’s presence will likely evoke nostalgia among viewers who remember his decades-long tenure guiding celebrity contestants and professional dancers through their competitive journeys.
Dancing with the Stars continues airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with Bergeron’s special appearance scheduled for the Nov. 11 episode.
Source: PEOPLE
