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Tom Bergeron Returns to DWTS as Guest Judge for 20th-Anniversary Episode Tonight

He says he came back after outreach from original showrunner Conrad Green following his 2020 exit over a political casting dispute.

Overview

  • The former host joins Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli at the judges' table for the Nov. 11 celebration.
  • Bergeron reiterates he will not compete or resume hosting, saying at 70 he has no desire to enter the contest.
  • The broadcast opens with a Derek Hough–choreographed number featuring six original Season 1 pros and includes an on-air tribute to performers who have died.
  • A Relay Dance twist pairs current celebrities with returning Mirrorball champions for quickstep, jive or Viennese waltz instead of their pro partners.
  • Bergeron, who hosted 28 seasons before ABC/BBC Studios replaced him in 2020, has said the Sean Spicer casting clash and COVID-era changes accelerated his departure; the special airs live at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.