DWTS host Tyra Banks has spoken out about Disney hiring a new co-host for her after facing major backlash about her hosting abilities.
The model will be joined by Alfonso Ribeiro, who rose to fame on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
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Tyra, 48, spoke with Us Weekly about the major changes Disney has made to DWTS.
She noted: “We no longer have commercial time to clear sets. It’s nonstop action. So, having a new host allows for cut-aways from the stage so that the crew can get the next act ready.”
Then, the actress shared her thoughts on the new addition to the cast.
“When the team brought up the idea of Alfonso with me, I was like, ‘Yes, yes and yes, let’s stop right there and look no further,'” she said.
She went on: “Nostalgia is everything these days so I felt that Alfonso and I being together on stage again after those fun Fresh Prince of Bel-Air times will be fun for so many to see. And fun for Alfonso and I, too.”
While this will be the first time Alfonso has worked on the show, it’s not his first time appearing on DWTS.
The actor won season 19 of the dancing competition series in 2014.
As for how he’ll fit into the show, Tyra revealed that her “post will be on the ballroom floor,” and Alfonso will interview contestants.
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She told Us: “He’s been through what the stars will be going through so he will shine talking to them and knowing all the emotions running through their veins.”
Tyra isn’t the only one who has opened up about the changes on the DWTS set.
SWITCHING IT UP
Ahead of the season 31 premiere of the show on Disney+, judge Derek Hough teased some of the new aspects ahead.
Derek appeared on Live With Kelly and Ryan recebtky to talk about his engagement to Hayley Erbert and the upcoming season.
After talking about wedding planning and inviting Michael Buble to sing on their big day, Derek teased some changes that are coming this season.
Ryan Seacrest suggested that being a judge must be different than being a contestant because they can just “roll in and roll out.”
Derek agreed but said that there would be some performances he will be choreographing and performing in this season.
“But it’s definitely a lot easier being a judge,” the six-time mirrorball champion stated.
Ryan also suggested that when American Idol and DWTS were on at the same time, they’d be on commercial break at the same time and everyone would talk, which brought the judge to another point.
“Speaking of commercials, there won’t be any commercials,” the 37-year-old said.
“Because you’re on streaming,” the Live host chimed in.
“That’s it! So we have more time to create performances, more time to talk,” the professional dancer explained.
“That’s actually great!” Kelly Ripa said.
“It’s actually quite nice. Like when Bruno [Tonioli] talks for an hour and I have three seconds to say something profound and amazing that changes people’s lives, but I only have three seconds, so you know,” Derek joked.
Derek, along with Bruno, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Len Goodman, are all set to come back and judge.
PARTNER PAIRINGS
Ahead of the new season, the upcoming pairings were announced.
This year, the dance partners include:
Fans will be able to stream the show on Disney+ for the first time ever.
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