Television
Why Tyra Banks is leaving ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Tyra Banks time as host of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ looks set to end after three seasons.
‘Dancing With the Stars’ is set for another big change following news that host Tyra Banks will not be returning next season.
Why is Tyra Banks leaving ‘Dancing With the Stars’?
Banks replaced Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews as the sole host of the show back in 2020 for Season 29.
However, she told TMZ that she is shifting her focus to her other business ventures, including her ice cream business, SMiZE & DREAM.
“I feel it’s time for me to really focus on my business and my entrepreneurship and also producing more TV but behind the scenes,” the former ‘America’s Next Top Model’ host said.
“So, you know what? I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor.”
When asked if that meant she was leaving the show, Banks responded: “I think it’s time. Don’t you think it’s time? Yeah, I think it’s time.
“I really, really want to focus on my business, and you can’t do that by hosting a show. You’ll see me creating things, not just hosting things.”
Changes continue for ‘Dancing With the Stars’
News of Banks’ departure, which has yet to be made official by her representatives, comes after the show moved from ABC to Disney+ last season.
It also saw Alfonso Ribeiro join Banks as co-host after she hosted the show alone for two seasons.
Len Goodman, who has been a judge on the show since its debut back in 2005, also announced that he won’t be returning for the new season.
“I’ve decided I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain,” he said on the show.
“It’s been such a wonderful experience for me and look forward so much to next week’s finale.”
Longtime dancers Mark Ballas and Cheryl Burke have also said they won’t be returning for Season 32.
As for Banks, before hosting ‘Dancing With the Stars’, she hosted and executive produced shows including ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and ‘The Tyra Banks Show’. She also hosted ‘America’s Got Talent’.
Meanwhile, Banks’ ice cream company ‘SMiZE & DREAM’, which launched during the pandemic, recently chose the UAE as its first location for international expansion outside of the US.