Tom Bergeron Details Behind-the-Scenes Changes That Led to His "DWTS" Firing
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Former Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron recently reflected on the new season of the show and ABC's decision to replace him and Erin Andrews with Tyra Banks.
In July, the network announced that Tyra would be the new solo host and an executive producer for season 29.
Tom told John Melendez on The Stuttering John Podcast that he's "alright" and is "digging" his time off.
Dancing With the Stars fans might miss Tom Bergeron, but Tom doesn't miss Dancing With the Stars.
While speaking to John Melendez of The Stuttering John Podcast, Tom made it clear that he's since moved on from the competition show, which he cohosted for 15 years before getting replaced ahead of season 29. When asked about why he thought he was replaced by new host Tyra Banks, Tom said he "couldn't speak" to the producers' mindset.
"Look, my bottom line is, I've had a wonderful career. I've got friends who are still on that show, both on camera and behind the scenes, so, out of respect for them, that's about all I'll say," he explained.
As for why he doesn't miss Dancing With the Stars, Tom hinted that there were some disagreements about the show's direction behind the scenes that began nearly three years ago — well before Tyra was considered for the job.
"It started changing early in 2018, there were staff changes and I think philosophical changes about how to do the show," Tom revealed. "So, I miss the earlier years. I miss up until that point when it had a different vibe, a different feel. No, I'm kind of digging this time off, and I'm quite capable of being very lazy."
As announced this past July, ABC opted to replace Tom and fellow co-host Erin Andrews all in the name of pursuing a "new creative direction" for the show. That creative direction, as fans discovered soon after, was hiring Tyra as a solo host and executive producer.
Despite the surprise host switch-up, Tom reassured the podcast host that he has learned to live with ABC's decision.
"There are a lot of people who I really care about who are on that show, who I hope have long, thriving careers," he explained. "And to those who came to me when the word came down in July that I wouldn't be part of it anymore, some of the pros said, 'We don't know if we want to be part of it.' I said, 'Look, you're building a brand, you're in your 30s or late 20s or whatever, and I'm an old guy. I've made my money. I'm alright, so don't worry about me. Just go and build your brand.'"
So, would Tom ever come back as a contestant? "Oh sh-- no," he told John. "We're done, we're done, that train has left the station."
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