‘DWTS’ Judges, Pros Speak Out On Tom Bergeron, Erin Andrews Firing Tyra Banks Replacement Drama

Several fans have made it clear that they don’t love the decision to fire Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews and replace them with Tyra Banks on “Dancing With the Stars,” but the decision seems to have been one that other members of the show’s cast are accepting.

The “Dancing With the Stars” world was rocked on Monday night when Bergeron, who has hosted the ABC show since the first season, revealed on social media that he was not returning for Season 29. A statement by ABC and BBC Studios later confirmed that Andrews was also not asked to return and that both would be replaced by Tyra Banks, who would also take on an executive producing role as well.

Fans have largely sounded off on the move on social media to state that they felt it was the wrong move for the show to make, and several have stated they will no longer watch because of the actions. However, Bergeron and Andrews have both seemingly taken their ousters well, making jokes on social media about the news and sharing messages of love for the cast they’ve left behind. And while the fans may still be in a bit of an uproar, the rest of the show’s cast has also seemingly decided to keep the drama to a minimum when it comes to the situation.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, judge Carrie Ann Inaba admitted the news that Bergeron and Andrews weren’t returning hit her hard emotionally.

“I feel like it was just such sudden news,” she said. “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 also took to social media to share some love with her former co-stars, but also made sure to acknowledge Banks as a new host as well in a separate post.

“She’s a dynamic, creative feminine force of nature and I can’t wait to see what she’s gonna bring to our show,” she wrote on Twitter, alongside a photo of herself and the former “America’s Next Top Model” host.

Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli also took to Twitter to welcome Banks but made sure to share supportive messages to his former colleagues as well, singling them each out in separate posts where he expressed love to them both.

“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,” he wrote to Bergeron.

He also wrote to Andrews to share what he would miss the most about working with her.

Meanwhile, show pros both past and present have also shared some insight too. While most have remained silent and not released statements of their own on social media, Sasha Farber and Sharna Burgess took time to acknowledge what Bergeron and Andrews meant to them over the years.

“Tom and Erin, you are absolute legends and we love you,” Farber captioned a photo of the two on his Instagram.

Burgess, who was also let go from the show last year, also reflected on her time with them as well.

“Listen...I’m just glad I convinced you both to floss in @mrbobbybones and my freestyle... Even if Tom took it literally #yolo,” she wrote. “You’re both superstars and I’ve loved both working with you and watching you work. Here’s to all the memories and all the laughs and all the tears with a few scandals, injuries and nip slips thrown in for fun.”

“Dancing With the Stars” is expected to air this Fall on ABC, though an exact date has not been given for a premiere as the show continues working to meet new standards and protocols for safety amid the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.