Tom Bergeron Returns to Dancing with the Stars: Revealing the Reasons and Controversy Behind His Departure

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Tom Bergeron, the iconic figure who has hosted 28 seasons of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), will return to surprise fans on November 11, 2025.

He is scheduled to appear as an honorary guest judge on a special 20th-anniversary episode of the popular dance competition show.

Bergeron's return to the DWTS stage is a major highlight, given that he previously stated he would never be involved with the show again following his controversial departure in 2020.

This special moment reunites him with regular judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, as well as co-host Julianne Hough, who will warmly welcome him.

Tom Bergeron's presence is expected to bring nostalgia and excitement to the two-decade celebration of DWTS.

TOM BERGERON HAS RETURNED TO DANCING WITH THE STARS! 👏#DWTS #DWTS20 pic.twitter.com/3Seea1khym

— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) November 12, 2025

The announcement of Tom Bergeron's return as a guest judge for the 20th anniversary episode of Dancing with the Stars on November 11, 2025, came as a surprise to many.

Bergeron had previously stated to former contestant Cheryl Burke that he would "never" return to the show, a statement he made after being fired from his hosting position in 2020.

Bergeron revealed his willingness to return due to the return of Conrad Green as showrunner, the man behind DWTS's initial success.

He stated that he would not have returned if the previous administration had remained in charge.

In this special episode, Bergeron join the existing judging panel of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.

A warm welcome also came from co-host Julianne Hough, who emotionally welcomed the original host back to the dance floor she had led for so many years.

Tom Bergeron left Dancing with the Stars in July 2020, along with co-host Erin Andrew.

Disney/ABC stated at the time that the decision was made for a "new creative direction" and a desire to "evolve" the show's format.

"Tom Bergeron will forever be part of the Dancing with the Stars family," ABC and BBC Studios said in a statement 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."

However, Bergeron later revealed that the real reasons were far more complex and political.

He strongly disagreed with the producers' decision to cast former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer as a contestant on Season 28 (2019).

Bergeron had suggested the show remain apolitical, especially during an election year, to serve as a fun "escape" for viewers.

Feeling "betrayed" and "lied to" after his warnings were ignored and Spicer was cast, Bergeron publicly criticized the decision, though without naming names or political parties.

He even offered to withdraw from the season in protest.

However, ABC's response was to terminate his contract completely, ending his 15-year run with the show.

"In all candor, the show that I left was not the show that I loved," Bergeron said on the late Bob Saget's podcast in 2021.

"So at the end of the season that turned out to be my last season, I kind of knew. I took everything out of my dressing room that I really wanted. ... It was kind of obvious that we were kind of butting heads [behind-the-scenes]. It wasn't a pleasant [experience]."

Thomas Raymond Bergeron, born May 6, 1955, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, United States, is a multi-talented television personality known as a comedian, game show host, and anchor.

Bergeron began his broadcasting career as a disc jockey at local radio stations such as WHAV in Haverhill and WHEB in New Hampshire, before transitioning to television at WBZ-TV Boston.

He went on to host various popular shows, including Breakfast Time (1994–1997), Hollywood Squares (1998–2004), and America's Funniest Home Videos (2001–2015).

His most iconic role was hosting Dancing with the Stars for 28 seasons, from 2005 to 2019.

Throughout his career, Bergeron has received numerous prestigious awards, including a Daytime Emmy Award in 2000.

He also received a Primetime Emmy Award in 2012 for his outstanding contributions as host of Dancing with the Stars, solidifying his position as one of the industry's top hosts.

Off-screen, Tom Bergeron has been married to Lois Bergeron since 1982 and has two daughters.

He is also the author of the book "I'm Hosting As Fast As I Can" and is active in charitable causes, serving as the national spokesperson for March of Dimes WalkAmerica and the National Vice President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.