DWTS made the shocking decision in 2020 to fire hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews. The move angered many fans of the show. Tom Bergeron has been candid over the years about his exit. Keep reading for a look back at the real reason why he was let go from ABC despite his popularity.

Tom Bergeron Makes Surprise Return To Ballroom

Dancing With The Stars fans never thought they would see the day Tom Bergeron returned to the ballroom. He left the show in 2020 under bad circumstances. The popular host was exceedingly vocal that the exit wasn’t his idea. Sadly, he wasn’t invited to attend the special episode honoring the late judge, Len Goodman. The cranky judge passed away in 2023.
Tom Bergeron – YouTube
Len Goodman last appeared on the show in 2022. He retired after Season 31 to spend more time with his family in the UK. Former DWTS pro Derek Hough took over as head judge.

After 28 seasons of hosting the ABC dance competition, Tom Bergeron gets to sit at the judges’ panel. He returns on Tuesday, November 11, as a guest judge for the show’s 20th anniversary special.

Real Reason Tom Bergeron Was Fired From DWTS

Many DWTS fans consider the years that Tyra Banks hosted as a dark time in the show’s history. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are the show’s current hosts. The chances of Tom Bergeron ever returning as the host are low. He lives a quiet life at his multiple homes, including the one in Greenwich, Connecticut.

It doesn’t help that his departure was extremely public. While the show often casts controversial figures, ABC went too far in 2019 when former White House press secretary Sean Spicer joined Season 28. Tom Bergeron spoke out about the decision after his pleas to avoid politics fell on the deaf ears of the producers.
Tom Bergeron & Alfonso Ribeiro from Instagram
“In all candor, the show that I left was not the show that I loved,” he told late comedian Bob Saget on the Here For You podcast in 2021.

“I wanted the viewers to know this was a step too far to me. This was a step too far on the cusp of an election year. And again — had it been a Democrat, same statement,” he later told Cheryl Burke about speaking out against the casting.

“At that moment, I knew this is probably my last season, because of that one betrayal. Up until that point, there were people of character there,” he added about Sean Spicer’s casting.

He Shares Throwback Photo With Mark Ballas & Hough Siblings

Tom Bergeron took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes look at his return to the ballroom. He shared a throwback photo from thirteen years ago with Mark Ballas, Julianne and Derek Hough, and So You Think You Can Dance star Randi Strong.

“Mark’s hair may have gotten longer, mine may have gotten grayer, Derek’s may have spread to his face & Julianne may have refused to age (a bit annoying, frankly 😉😘), but the bonds of love and friendship have only gotten stronger,” the caption read.

Fans flooded the comment section with excitement for his return to Dancing With The Stars.

“you need to be a permanent judge on DWTS”
“Can’t wait to watch!”
“I haven’t watched a single episode of DWTS since you left.”
“So much love in that photo. Thanks for sharing. Great to see you back. You’ve clearly been missed.”
“This will be my favorite episode of the season simply because you are back!”

Don’t miss Tom Bergeron’s long-awaited return to DWTS on ABC on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, starting at 8 PM Eastern.