Banks tabbed as new host for ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Tyra Banks is waltzing onto “Dancing with the Stars.”
The former supermodel and “America’s Next Top Model” host has been tapped as the new host of ABC’S reality dancing show, the network announced Wednesday.
Banks will step into the dancing shoes of longtime co-hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews, who won’t be returning for the upcoming season. The 46-year old also been named an executive producer on the show.
“I’ve been a fan of ‘DWTS’ since its beginning,” Banks said 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 and put on my executive producer and hosting hats.”
ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke said in a statement that she was excited to see Banks as the new host.
“As we gear up for the show’s 29th season, we can’t wait to welcome Tyra Banks to our ‘Dancing’ stage,” Burke said.
Banks, the first black model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition, created and hosted “America's Next Top Model” for 22 seasons until it was canceled in 2015, then hosted the second season of the revived modeling competition show in 2018.
Her talk show, “The Tyra Banks Show,” lasted five seasons, and she hosted two cycles of “America’s Got Talent.” Banks has also had roles in movies like “Life Size” and “Love & Basketball.”
“Dancing with the Stars” is expected to return this fall, but the coronavirus shutdown has left production stalled.