RUMORS have been circulating that former Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron is returning to the ballroom, five years after his firing.
Fans have recently pointed out numerous clues that suggest that Tom, 70, may be making a comeback to the long-running show.
Fans believe there have been numerous clues suggesting that former Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron is returning to the show[/caption]
Season 34 of DWTS premieres on September 16 on ABC and Disney+[/caption]
Fans pointed out that the DWTS official Instagram page is now following Tom, which could indicate his return to the ballroom[/caption]
The latest hint was spotted on the show’s official Instagram account, as one fan noticed that Tom is now on its followers list, after being removed from the page after his departure in 2020.
They posted a screengrab with the evidence to a popular DWTS thread, showing Tom as one of their nearly 500 followers, alongside recently announced Season 34 contestants such as Hilaria Baldwin, Scott Hoying, Dylan Efron, and Danielle Fishel.
‘TEARS OF JOY!’
Fans expressed their excitement in the comments, hoping the rumors are true, as Tom was a prominent fixture on the show for the first 15 seasons.
“I will cry so hard if he’s actually back on TV for an episode,” one person wrote.
“That basically confirms his presence in some capacity this season,” predicted another.
“CRYING TEARS OF JOY RN,” said a third.
Others speculated about Tom’s role if he were to return, since Julianne Hough, 37, and Alfonso Ribeiro, 53, are set as the show’s dual hosts.
“I would love it if he’s like a guest judge one week,” a fan remarked.
“I wonder if Julianne would ever be a judge replacing Carrie Ann and Tom would be back with Alfonso as host?” a second suggested.
This wasn’t the only clue that raised eyebrows about Tom’s possible return.
Earlier this week, former DWTS pro dancer-turned-judge Derek Hough, 40, hinted at Tom’s appearance this season in a social media post.
It happened after a news article was shared, revealing that Tom expressed interest in returning to the show for one night.
After a fan admitted in the comments that they’d abandoned the show after Tom left but would watch again if the America’s Funniest Videos host was back, Derek teased that it might be in the cards.
“You’ll be very happy this season, especially later on ;),” the actor replied.
However, Tom alone confessing to a news outlet that he’d return if given the opportunity had fans convinced it’s happening.
Many also pointed out that this year is the 20th anniversary of the ballroom dancing competition series, so it would be fitting to bring back the beloved host for a cameo.
HOSTING VETERAN
Tom hosted the series from its debut in 2005 until 2020, when he left after butting heads with producers over former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s controversial casting the season before.
At the time of his exit, he was co-hosting the show with Erin Andrews, 47, who also left the program that year.
They were later replaced with America’s Next Top Model star Tyra Banks, 51, before Julianne and Alfonso eventually became the permanent hosts in 2023.
DWTS Season 34 premieres on September 16, at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC and Disney+.
Tom previously hosted the show alongside Erin Andrews[/caption]
The show is now co-hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough[/caption]
