Tom Bergeron returns to Dancing with the Stars five years after his controversial departure from the ballroom.
The old host, who led the ABC competition for 15 years and 28 seasons, will return as a guest judge for the show’s upcoming 20th anniversary episode on Nov. 11, as announced Wednesday morning following “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night.”
Speaking Good morning Americasaid Bergeron: “It feels really good. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Emmy-winning host’s return comes as a surprise given his abrupt and controversial departure in 2020. After years at the heart of DWTShe was fired shortly after publicly criticizing the show’s decision to cast former White House press secretary Sean Spicer in season 28.
He later revealed that despite signing a new multi-season contract, producers had cut ties with him after he objected to bringing political figures into the mix.
After his departure, Bergeron said in a statement that producers had “thrown a curveball” after promising to avoid political casting, adding: “We will have to agree to disagree.”
After hosting that final season – in which Spicer was voted off after eight weeks – Bergeron left the show along with co-host Erin Andrews.
This year’s hosts for season 34 are Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.
