Tyra Banks is the new host of Dancing with the Stars, but she's not the people's choice.
Earlier this week, ABC and BBC Studios revealed longtime hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews will be departing the dance competition show, leaving many DWTS watchers in disbelief over the sudden news.
"Tom Bergeron will forever be part of the Dancing with the Stars family. As we embark on a new creative direction, he departs the show with our sincerest thanks and gratitude for his trademark wit and charm that helped make this show a success," the networks revealed in a statement. "Erin will also not be returning, and we appreciate all that she brought to the ballroom. Fans have been rooting for her since she originally competed as a contestant back in 2010, and her signature sense of humor has become a hallmark of the show."
With Bergeron and Andrews’ exit, it goes without saying their replacement would have some big dancing shoes to fill. Which is why DWTS viewers were even more bewildered to learn — less than 24 hours later — that Banks was chosen to assume the role. What's more, the supermodel will also be an executive producer on the show.
Fans were particularly critical about the networks' decision, and they let that be known on Twitter.
“When #ABC said they wanted to take #DWTS in a new direction I didn't realize the direction they wanted to go was downhill,” one Twitter user reacted.
Others referenced her lackluster performance on America’s Got Talent — and her infamous America’s Next Top Model scandal — as a point of criticism.
“Tyra Banks didn't do well as hostess on AGT and I don't expect her to be any better on DWTS,” someone else tweeted, as another fan chimed in, “Considering how horribly she treated and spoke to people when she hosted America’s Next Top Model, this is a poor choice and a very hard pass.”
Whether fans like it or not, Banks couldn't be more excited to host DWTS. “I’ve been a fan of ‘DWTS’ since its beginning,” the 46-year-old shared in a statement. “The fun mixed with raw emotion, seeing celebrities push past their comfort zones, the sizzling dance performances. It’s always transported me to my days of turning it up 10 notches on the catwalk. Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy.”
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