Julianne Hough has replaced Tyra Banks on Dancing with the Stars and will serve as Alfonso Ribeiro's co-host next season.
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Previous co-host Alfonso Ribeiro will be assuming Tyra's former hosting role, while Julianne will be taking over Alfonso's previous role.
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"It is such an honor to be rejoining Dancing with the Stars as co-host," Julianne wrote.
The former Dancing with the Stars judge and two-time mirrorball trophy champion continued, "The show holds such a special place in my heart from the many years and different roles I have had the privilege of being a part of... The incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night has been my family for the past 17 years."
Julianne said she's "so excited to reunite" with Alfonso, and she also confirmed Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and her brother Derek Hough will be returning as judges.
(The show's fourth judge, Len Goodman, announced his retirement at the end of the show's 31st season late last year).
Julianne also added in the post that she's thrilled to rejoin "the unbelievably talented pros" and "the amazing cast" on the dance floor next season.
"The energy is magnetic every time you step foot in to the ballroom and I can't wait to feel it again -- and of course to share it all with the absolute best and most loyal fans -- for another exciting season," Julianne concluded.
Julianne was quoting her statement to Variety, who first broke the news of Julianne's new role on Dancing with the Stars.
Shortly after Julianne announced her Dancing with the Stars participation, Alfonso posted a screenshot of an article reporting that Alfonso "has been upped to emcee of the franchise" now that Julianne is stepping in as co-host.
"So excited @juleshough @dancingwiththestars will be great to share the stage with you," Alfonso wrote.
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Julianne first danced as a pro on Dancing with the Stars for Season 4 and she finished in first place with Apolo Anton Ohno. She went on to win the mirrorball trophy again on Season 5 with Helio Castroneves.
Julianne left the show after Season 8 but later returned as a guest judge on Season 17 and Season 18.
Julianne then served as a regular judge on the Dancing with the Stars panel from Season 19 through Season 24.
Although Julianne stepped away from the judging panel for Season 25, she appeared as a guest judge and also returned for Season 30 in the same capacity.
The pro dancer, choreographer, singer and actress sat on the judging panel for America's Got Talent in Season 14. She has also starred in movies such as Safe Haven, Burlesque, and Footloose.
Tyra, who also served as an executive producer on Dancing with the Stars during her hosting reign, told TMZ late last week that she was leaving Dancing with the Stars after three seasons to focus on her entrepreneurial projects and interest in working as a television producer.
"I feel it's time for me to really focus on my business and my entrepreneurship, and also producing more TV, behind the scenes," Tyra explained.
"I think it's time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor. I think my heart, my soul, is into my business, it's also into producing new TV."
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Tyra joined Dancing with the Stars as its host in Season 29, when the former America's Next Top Model host replaced Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews.
The show was still airing on ABC at the time.
When Dancing with the Stars moved to Disney+ for Season 31 last year, Alfonso joined the show as co-host.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
