Tom Bergeron will return to «Dancing with the Stars» for one night: all the details
11 november 2025 в 23:13
Tom Bergeron was the original host of the show «Dancing with the Stars». For 28 seasons, the TV host was the face of the reality show. But that came to an end in July 2020 when Disney announced that Tom and his co-host Erin Andrews were fired. Now, as he returns to the dance floor for just one night on November 11, 2025, long-time fans are wondering why he ever left «Dancing with the Stars».
Below is everything we know about Tom’s departure from «Dancing with the Stars» and his highly anticipated return for episode 34 of the season.
Yes, Tom was fired by Disney in 2020, he confirmed this in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) at the time.
«I just found out that @DancingABC will continue without me», - Tom wrote. «It's been an incredible 15-year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I am grateful for it and for the lifelong friendships. But now what do I do with all these sparkly masks?»
Disney released a statement about Tom’s departure, calling their decision a «new creative direction».
«Tom Bergeron will forever be a part of the 'Dancing with the Stars' family», - the company said. «As we embark on a new creative direction, he leaves the show with our sincere gratitude and appreciation for his wit and charm that helped make this show successful».
At the time, DWTS executive producer Andrew Llinares said Tom was fired because Disney wanted the show to «evolve» over time.
«Any show that’s been on the air many seasons needs to continue to evolve», - Andrew explained in September 2020 at ABC’s fall press day, according to Entertainment Tonight. «So, I think the change of host is all about evolution».
Tom said he knew he was fired due to creative differences. During an interview in September 2021 on the «Here For You» podcast, the former DWTS host said that by the time he left, the series «wasn't the show [he] liked».
«Honestly, the show I left wasn’t the show I liked», - Tom said. «So by the end of the season, which turned out to be my last season, I kind of knew. I took everything I really needed from my dressing room. … It was clear that we were kind of butting heads [behind the scenes]».
Tom added that he wasn’t surprised by Disney’s decision. «Actually, I think Erin and I had the most fun when we were fired», - he joked during the interview.
However, Tom later revealed in October 2023 on the «Sex, Lies, and Tanning» podcast that he reached a breaking point with Disney when they invited former White House press secretary Sean Spicer for the 28th season.
«I said, 'Guys, this is exactly what we said we wouldn’t do. It’s not worth it,'» Tom recalled, but the producer and showrunner insisted on continuing with casting Sean. So Tom offered to take a season off, and they offered to terminate his contract.
«That's how strongly they felt», - Tom explained.
Yes, but only for one night. Tom is not returning to his former role as host on DWTS; he is returning as a guest judge for the episode on November 11, 2025.
New episodes of season 34 of DWTS are airing live every Tuesday night at 8:00 and can be streamed live on Disney+. After the live broadcast, episodes are available for viewing on Disney+ and Hulu with Disney+
Below is everything we know about Tom’s departure from «Dancing with the Stars» and his highly anticipated return for episode 34 of the season.
Yes, Tom was fired by Disney in 2020, he confirmed this in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) at the time.
«I just found out that @DancingABC will continue without me», - Tom wrote. «It's been an incredible 15-year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I am grateful for it and for the lifelong friendships. But now what do I do with all these sparkly masks?»
Disney released a statement about Tom’s departure, calling their decision a «new creative direction».
«Tom Bergeron will forever be a part of the 'Dancing with the Stars' family», - the company said. «As we embark on a new creative direction, he leaves the show with our sincere gratitude and appreciation for his wit and charm that helped make this show successful».
At the time, DWTS executive producer Andrew Llinares said Tom was fired because Disney wanted the show to «evolve» over time.
«Any show that’s been on the air many seasons needs to continue to evolve», - Andrew explained in September 2020 at ABC’s fall press day, according to Entertainment Tonight. «So, I think the change of host is all about evolution».
Tom said he knew he was fired due to creative differences. During an interview in September 2021 on the «Here For You» podcast, the former DWTS host said that by the time he left, the series «wasn't the show [he] liked».
«Honestly, the show I left wasn’t the show I liked», - Tom said. «So by the end of the season, which turned out to be my last season, I kind of knew. I took everything I really needed from my dressing room. … It was clear that we were kind of butting heads [behind the scenes]».
Tom added that he wasn’t surprised by Disney’s decision. «Actually, I think Erin and I had the most fun when we were fired», - he joked during the interview.
However, Tom later revealed in October 2023 on the «Sex, Lies, and Tanning» podcast that he reached a breaking point with Disney when they invited former White House press secretary Sean Spicer for the 28th season.
«I said, 'Guys, this is exactly what we said we wouldn’t do. It’s not worth it,'» Tom recalled, but the producer and showrunner insisted on continuing with casting Sean. So Tom offered to take a season off, and they offered to terminate his contract.
«That's how strongly they felt», - Tom explained.
Yes, but only for one night. Tom is not returning to his former role as host on DWTS; he is returning as a guest judge for the episode on November 11, 2025.
New episodes of season 34 of DWTS are airing live every Tuesday night at 8:00 and can be streamed live on Disney+. After the live broadcast, episodes are available for viewing on Disney+ and Hulu with Disney+
© Puhova Marina
