Fans of “Dancing With The Stars” were both shocked and devastated over the summer when Tom Bergeron, who had hosted the show ever since it premiered back in 2005, was abruptly fired and replaced by supermodel Tyra Banks. Now, one month into Banks’ run as host, “Dancing With The Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba is speaking out to admit that she misses Bergeron and his cohost Erin Andrews, who was fired at the same time that he was.
“I miss seeing Tom and Erin, of course, because we’re like family,” Inaba told TV Insider.
However, Inaba made sure to add some positive words about Banks, who has also signed on as the show’s executive producer.
“I do think Tyra’s brought really amazing energy,” Inaba said. “It’s been controversial, yes, but she has an excitement to her that is hard to put into words and that’s what makes people want to tune in. She’s so passionate about what she does. And I’m loving the fact that she’s bringing this fashion game to the show.”
“‘Dancing With the Stars’ is a huge show and it is not easy for any of us,” the dance judge added. “She’s done an amazing job and has taken it in her own direction.”
Inaba went on to say that she can personally relate to Banks, as she replaced Julie Chen as a cohost of “The Talk” a few years ago.
“That’s probably why I have so much compassion for Tyra,” she said. “I joined ‘The Talk’ during a very tumultuous time. Julie had left. … It was hard because Julie’s beloved. I love Julie Chen. She was so gracious in the way she allowed me to step into her shoes.
“This business is what it is. It’s fickle,” Inaba continued. “We all know that our time is limited so, wherever we are we might as well just have fun and support one another. I support Tyra 100 percent.”
Immediately after Bergeron and Andrews were fired, Inaba admitted that she “cried” upon hearing the news.
“I feel like it was just such sudden news,” Inaba said on “The Talk,” according to Fox News. “My heart breaks for Tom and Erin.”
“I cried when I heard the news, as well as, I think a lot of our fans did,” she added.
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