Fans of “Dancing With The Stars” were shocked this week when Tom Bergeron, who has hosted the show since it premiered back in 2005, was suddenly fired and replaced by supermodel Tyra Banks. Now, “DWTS” judge Bruno Tonioli has broken his silence to react to Bergeron’s firing.
“Dear [Tom Bergeron],” Tonioli tweeted. “I will miss you so much my friend we had an amazing 15 years #DWTS your charm Witt professionalisms have been integral to the show success. [heart emoji] Bruno.”
Dear @Tom_Bergeron I will miss you so much my friend we had an amazing 15 years #DWTS your charm Witt professionalisms have being integral to the show success ❤️Bruno
— Bruno Tonioli (@BrunoTonioli) July 14, 2020
This comes after fans were stunned when Bergeron revealed that both he and his cohost Erin Andrews had been abruptly fired from the ABC reality competition series.
“Just informed [Dancing With the Stars] will be continuing without me,” tweeted Bergeron, 65. “It’s been an incredible 15-year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I’m grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?”
Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me. It's been an incredible 15 year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I'm grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?
— Tom Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) July 13, 2020
Andrews took to social media to react to the firings as well, writing, “Thank you ABC and the entire Dancing with the Stars family for 6 memorable seasons. Those years wouldn’t have been as special without my loving host Tom Bergeron, the talented dancers, and witty judges. I will always cherish my days on that set, even if I wasn’t the best at walking in heels.”
After Banks was named as Bergeron’s replacement, she addressed his legacy as she accepted the hosting position.
“I’ve been a fan of DWTS since its beginning,” Banks told The Hollywood Reporter. “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.”
Banks has also been named executive producer of the show, and she has made no secret of the fact that she intends to make some changes to the long-running program.
“OK, let’s just keep this real. It is going to be so next level,” Banks said on Wednesday. “We’re doing all this crazy stuff, taking it to the next level but still keeping the stuff that we know America loves. But get ready because it’s going to be different.”
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