Tom Bergeron returns to Dancing With The Stars show after 6 years, why was he kicked out in 2020?

Popular TV host Tom Bergeron has made a long-awaited return to Dancing With the Stars after six years away. Bergeron, who hosted the beloved competition series from its 2005 premiere until 2019, surprised fans by returning to the ballroom on Tuesday night’s episode. This time, he appeared as a guest judge on the special November 11 show celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary.

According to Hollywood Reporter, Bergeron has been open about his dissatisfaction with how his departure was handled since leaving the show. Therefore, fans were surprised when he announced on Good Morning America last Wednesday that he would be returning to the Dancing With the Stars ballroom for the first time since his exit - this time as a guest judge.



In an interview with Hollywood Reporter, Bergeron said he’s 'thrilled' to take on the new role, but emphasized that his decision to return wasn’t solely because Tuesday night’s episode marked Dancing With the Stars’ 20th anniversary celebration.

"If the previous regime was still in charge of the show, I wouldn’t go back,” Bergeron explained that it was executive producer Conrad Green - who launched the series in its first season and returned for season 33 - who 'extended an olive branch' and invited him back to the show.

REASON BEHIND TOM BERGERON'S FIRING FROM DANCING WITH THE STARS

According to The People, Bergeron took on co-hosting duties for Dancing with the Stars when it premiered in 2005 while hosting America’s Funniest Home Videos at that time. He remained a staple of the show for 28 seasons over 15 years, becoming one of its most recognizable faces before his unceremonious departure in 2020. Bergeron earned nine Emmy nominations for his time as co-host, and won the award in 2012.

"Tom Bergeron will forever be part of the Dancing with the Stars family," ABC and BBC Studios said in a statement, as quoted by The People, in July 2020. "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."

Before his firing in 2020, Bergeron publicly criticized the show’s decision to cast former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer in Season 28 - a move that reportedly led to his abrupt exit. As reported by People, Bergeron shared on X that he had met with Dancing With the Stars producers, urging them to avoid bringing politics into the competition.