Tyra Banks revealed how she really feels about Julianne Hough filling her shoes.
In an interview with Us Weekly, the 49-year-old supermodel expressed her approval of the Dancing With The Stars alum, 34, returning to the show to take over her role of host for the upcoming season alongside Alfonso Ribeiro.
Earlier this month, The America’s Next Top Model vet announced that she would be departing the reality show after three seasons to focus on her other business ventures.
‘The businesswoman in me sees how Julianne is great on multiple levels,’ the Life-Size actress said after she revealed she would not be hosting season 32.
‘She has so much personality and strong opinions backed by expertise,’ Banks added. ‘She’s a perfect choice! She’s gonna crush it!’
Retiring as host: In an interview with Us Weekly, Tyra Banks, 49, expressed her approval of Julianne Hough, 34, returning to Dancing With The Stars to take over her role of host for the upcoming season; seen in 2022
The entrepreneur continued to gush about the actress and her apt credentials making her a standout choice as host.
‘She’s a professional dancer. She is the sister of Derek [Hough], a DWTS multi-champion, who is now a stellar judge,’ Banks said.
‘It’s going to be a family affair in that ballroom which people will love to watch,’ she added.
She also spoke to the magazine about all the aspects and her many costars she will miss working with on the show.
She mentioned Carrie Ann Inaba as well as Ribeiro — who will be co-hosting the competition show with the Footloose actress.
‘I’m going to miss Carrie Ann’s kindness and warm heart and, of course, reminiscing with Alfonso about the good ole Fresh Prince days.
‘I loved walking out every week in over-the-top outfits to such a hyped ballroom,’ Banks revealed.
‘Seeing Derek Hough dance in person was such a treat,’ she added, noting she will miss his ‘mind-boggling amazingness’.
She is in as a co-host of DWTS: Hough seen on March 16 in Beverly Hills
A source revealed to Us Weekly that Banks loved working on DWTS and with ABC so much that she reportedly has upcoming projects slated for release with the network.
‘Tyra so enjoyed her time doing DWTS and working with everyone involved — from production to network execs, to the cast, fans and, of course, Alfonso,’ the insider revealed.
‘Tyra has a really strong working relationship with ABC and has upcoming projects in the works with the network.’
On March 20, the new host said in a statement to Variety: ‘It is such an honor to be rejoining Dancing with the Stars as co-host.
‘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,’ she added.
Hough then shared: ‘The incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night has been my family for the past 17 years.
‘I am so excited to reunite with Alfonso, Carrie Ann, Bruno, Derek, the unbelievably talented pros, and the amazing cast on the dance floor.
‘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.’
Pro dancer siblings: The Footloose actress — who previously appeared on season 4 and 5 of DWTS — will be returning to the dancing competition show as a co-host while her brother Derek Hough will be a judge
Hough started working on Dancing With The Stars as a professional dancer in 2007.
She won during season four with Apolo Anton Ohno then again during season five with Hélio Castroneves.
Hough left DWTS in 2009, but came back in 2014 as a judge, before leaving again in 2017. She appeared as a guest judge on the show in 2021.
Banks began hosting the show in 2020 when she replaced Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews.
The site talked to Banks when she was leaving Whole Foods market in Santa Monica, California.
‘I feel it’s really time for me to focus on my business and my entrepreneurship, and also producing more TV — but behind the scenes,’ she remarked to the site.
Her news: ‘I feel it’s really time for me to focus on my business and my entrepreneurship, and also producing more TV — but behind the scenes,’ she remarked; seen on DWTS
‘I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor. … from the ballroom to the boardroom!’
When asked if she was really leaving the hit dance show she asked a question.
‘Don’t you think it’s time? Yeah, I think it’s time,’ she said.
Then she explained: ‘I’m an entrepreneur at heart.
‘I think my heart, my soul, is into my business, it’s also into producing new TV,’ she said; she is also a producer on DWTS.
‘But, I really, really want to focus on my business, and you can’t do that hosting a show.’
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