Former “Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron is opening up about what he really thought of the show’s big prize. “I used to make fun of that trophy all the time,” he shared in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. He admitted he couldn’t believe that glittering trophy was what the dancers were giving it their all for.
In season 32 of ‘DWTS’ the trophy was renamed The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in honor of the show’s main judge who passed away in April 2023. Because of that, Bergeron now has a different opinion of the show’s big prize. “But now it’s got Len’s name on it, so that’s kind of sweet,” he explained.
Bergeron’s Hosting Gig was a ‘Gift’
In 2020, Bergeron was fired from ‘DWTS’ after 28 seasons of hosting duties. He parted ways with the series over a casting decision that he didn’t agree with.
According to Bergeron, he had been assured the show wouldn’t cast a political figure, but former press secretary Sean Spicer appeared as a contestant on season 28 anyway. The veteran host told ET, “I was blissfully unaware of the booking process until the end.”
However, Bergeron expressed his gratitude for having been able to host the show for such a long time. “… it was a real unexpected gift of my career,” he shared. As for what he misses most about it, he initially said, “I joked, somebody asked me that and I said, ‘a paycheck.’” Then in all seriousness, he said, “the camaraderie, I think.”
Bergeron’s New Dancing Competition
To kick off Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, Bergeron will host the underwater competition, “Dancing With Sharks” which premieres on the network on July 20. The contestants are expert divers who will show off their moves donning scuba gear while partnered with actual sharks.
Bergeron says the dancing is pretty impressive, comparing it to “DWTS.” “You know in the 15 years I hosted that other dance show, I saw some humans who didn’t do as well as these sharks,” he joked.
Another “DWTS” alum will join Bergeron on the show as a judge, professional dancer Allison Holker. While there are clearly many connections to “DWTS,” the prize is not a glimmering trophy. “You leave with a very precious parting gift: all of your limbs,” Bergeron said. For those wondering if the show will get scary, the host reassured, “It’s not like the movie ‘Jaws.’”
