Elated by the news, fans online have tagged Bergeron’s return as a significant occurrence in light of the show’s 20th anniversary.
The TV personality hosted the show for 15 years. However, he was kicked off following a disagreement with the show’s producers.
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Tom Bergeron Is ‘Looking Forward’ To Returning To ‘DWTS’
Bergeron is returning to “Dancing With The Stars” on the show’s anniversary episode set to air on November 11. In addition to Bergeron, other original pro dancers will also be featured in the special episode.
The TV host expressed excitement about his imminent return to the show, saying, “It feels really good. I’m really looking forward to it,” per The Hollywood Reporter.
Bergeron’s return to the iconic show comes as a shock, given the manner in which he made his exit five years ago.
At the time of his exit, the 70-year-old comedian had just signed a contract for three new seasons on the show. However, he was unceremoniously let go when he opposed the show’s producers for casting political figures.
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Not willing to quit so easily, Bergeron offered to take the season off rather than leave completely. However, the producers kicked against his suggestion and insisted that he should leave after that season was completed.
As expected, the “Good Morning America” former anchor was unhappy with the situation. He clearly expressed his feelings, saying he was “really pissed” and was moved to let people know the truth of the situation.
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Fans Are Thrilled About Tom Bergeron’s Return To ‘DWTS’
News of Bergeron’s comeback to “DWTS” was met with several positive reactions from fans online.
One fan applauded the move, writing, “This is like if they announced Obama was coming back to the white house for a week, holy f-ck.” Another fan wrote that Bergeron’s return was key for the anniversary episode. “The most important thing to happen for the anniversary!!! I miss Tom!!,” the fan commented.
An excited fan wrote that Bergeron is “coming to save the season,” and another confessed that they “used to pray for times like this.”
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More fans poured out their love for the TV personality, with some praising his smile, which they claim “could power the entire ballroom’s glittering lights,” and others suggesting that he should be back to hosting full-time because he and Erin Jill Andrews are “much better than Alfonso and Julianne lol.”
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Being Let Go From ‘DWTS’ ‘Wasn’t A Pleasant Experience’ For Tom Bergeron
Fans are excited for Bergeron’s return to the iconic show because his exit was unpleasant for both the TV host and the fans.
In 2021, Bergeron recalled being kicked off the show alongside his fellow co-host, Andrews. As reported by The Blast, he told Bob Saget that although he wasn’t surprised by the move, it “was not a pleasant experience” for him.
The TV star also opened up about the show, saying that it had changed over time and was not the same one he once fell in love with.
“In all candor, the show that I left was not the show that I loved,” he said. “I think Erin and I had more fun being fired than virtually anybody.”
He also noted that although the producers’ decision didn’t favor him, they were allowed to “do the show the way they think is best.”
Bergeron Wanted The ‘DWTS’ Producers To Avoid Political Sentiments
Two years after Bergeron opened up to Saget about his exit, he peeled back more layers about the real reason he was let go.
According to The Blast, the former host spoke with the showrunners about giving their audience a “wonderful escape from that divisiveness” from the 2020 election.
However, he later found out that Donald Trump’s former press secretary, Sean Spicer, was set to make his debut on the show.
Feeling betrayed, the comedian spoke up concerning the decision, saying, “Guys, this is exactly what we said we wouldn’t do. And that’s exactly how I would have responded if they cast Hillary Clinton, whom I voted for. Don’t go there, this is not the right time, play to our strengths. Be the show that gives people a break from all this bullsh-t.”
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However, he was let out of his contract, which made him “furious.”
Cheryl Burke Also Recently Returned To ‘DWTS’
Now, five years after his ugly exit, Bergeron will appear on the show again. However, he isn’t the only iconic figure to return to the show after leaving for an extended period.
After three years away, Cheryl Burke returned as a guest judge for a special Halloween episode last month. She expressed excitement about her comeback, saying it was “special,” per The Blast.
She also reminisced on her experience on the show, acknowledging that she has spent “most” of her life in “that ballroom,” and as such, going back was a full-circle moment for her.
