It’s the news fans have been waiting for: Tom Bergeron is officially returning to Dancing With the Stars after a five-year absence. The man whose wit, charm, and quick-fire humor defined the ballroom for over a decade is stepping back under the glittering lights — and insiders say this comeback will be anything but ordinary.
Bergeron, who helmed the show from 2005 until his unexpected departure in 2020, was long considered the heartbeat of DWTS. His easy banter with judges, his hilarious ability to keep things on track when live television went off the rails, and his natural chemistry with the contestants made him not just a host, but a fan favorite.
Now, at 69, Tom is ready to reclaim the stage that made him a household name. And according to early whispers from the set, his return could shake the show to its core.
“I’m not just here to smile and read scores,” Bergeron reportedly said in a recent conversation with insiders. “I’m here to bring the energy, the surprises, and the moments fans deserve.”
Those words alone have set off waves of speculation. What exactly does Bergeron mean by “surprises”? Longtime fans know that Tom has never shied away from playful jabs at contestants, judges, and even producers when the moment called for it. His quick wit became legendary for turning awkward pauses or missteps into some of the funniest and most beloved live television moments of the 2000s.
Producers are already bracing for what some are calling the “Bergeron Effect.” Behind the scenes, staffers have hinted that his return could reignite old rivalries and spark new storylines. After all, Dancing With the Stars has always been as much about personality clashes and dramatic reveals as it has been about ballroom technique. With Bergeron back in command, the spotlight won’t just fall on the sequins and choreography. It will fall on the drama, the unpredictability, and the real-time magic that only Tom can deliver.
Fans, too, are buzzing with excitement. Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement, with posts ranging from nostalgia to outright celebration. One longtime viewer wrote: “Tom Bergeron IS DWTS. Without him, it never felt the same. This is the best news in years.” Another joked: “Forget the foxtrot — I’m tuning in just to see Tom roast the judges again.”
But perhaps the biggest question is what Tom’s return means for the future of the show. Ratings have fluctuated in recent years, and critics have suggested that the series had lost some of its original magic. Bringing Bergeron back may be the boldest move producers have made in years — a move that could recapture the show’s golden era energy.
What’s certain is that Bergeron is not coming back to play it safe. His promise of surprises has left insiders hinting at possible format changes, shocking reveals, and guest appearances that could redefine the ballroom experience for a whole new generation of viewers.
And while Bergeron’s trademark politeness remains intact, those close to him say he’s returning with a renewed fire. “He feels like he has something to prove,” one insider revealed. “And when Tom Bergeron has something to prove, television gets really fun, really fast.”
After five years away, Tom Bergeron isn’t just coming home. He’s coming back to remind the world why he became one of the most trusted, beloved, and unpredictable hosts on television.
So, as the lights rise on the ballroom once again, one thing is clear: the steps may belong to the dancers, but the show will belong — once more — to Tom.