DANCING WITH THE STARS – Tom Bergeron (Photo by Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Admit it: you either a) stopped watching Dancing with the Stars after the shocking —and completely unnecessary — departure of beloved host Tom Bergeron in 2020, or b) endured the Tyra Banks era, holding out hope that Disney and ABC would undo their colossal mistake. Enter Alfonso Ribeiro, first as co-host for season 31 and now the full-time host. Ironically, Ribeiro also stepped into Bergeron’s shoes on America’s Funniest Home Videos, so the “jump the shark” moment at least got some repair. But let’s be honest…Dancing with the Stars just hasn’t been the same without Tom Bergeron.
Bergeron wasn’t just a host; he was the heartbeat of Dancing with the Stars. His quick wit, warmth, and ability to balance humor with genuine empathy for the contestants set a standard that’s been hard to match. And, in news that feels like poetic justice, Bergeron will be returning as a guest judge next week opposite Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the ballroom dancing competition.
The news was announced on Good Morning America.
“I’m being reminded that in several interviews over the past few years, I said I’d never go back. And that’s exactly how I felt at the time. But, as they say, time heals all crankiness. Or something like that.,” said Bergeron. “Truth is, once my original showrunner and friend Conrad Green returned to that role, he began extending an olive leaf, or branch. It may have been a whole jar of olives, I forget, but the bridge was being rebuilt and I couldn’t be happier to be returning for this special night.”
Bergeron’s return is a reminder of why he became such an essential part of the show: he didn’t just host Dancing with the Stars, he elevated it. His departure will forever go down in TV history under the chapter…”If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It.”
But let’s bask for a moment in his upcoming guest spot on November 11. And let’s keep an eye on those traditional Nielsen ratings and the social media buzz. Expect a huge spike in a season already enjoying year-to-year increases.
Welcome back, Mr. Bergeron!
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcberman1/2025/11/05/tom-bergeron-is-back-the-heart-of-dancing-with-the-stars-returns-for-guest-judge-spot/


