Whispers are growing louder in the ballroom world as fans speculate whether the man who defined Dancing With the Stars for nearly three decades might be ready for a return. After years of silence, Tom Bergeron has finally spoken out — and his response is as graceful, witty, and enigmatic as ever. While he hasn’t confirmed a full return, his words hint that the final dance between him and the mirrorball trophy may not be over just yet.
The beloved host, who guided DWTS through its first 28 seasons, was shockingly fired by ABC in 2020 along with co-host Erin Andrews. The decision blindsided viewers, many of whom still credit Bergeron with being the steady, charming heartbeat of the show. In later interviews, Bergeron admitted that by the end, DWTS had changed into something he no longer recognized — making fans wonder if he would ever consider stepping foot back into the ballroom.
Now, with the show preparing for its 34th season this fall, the question of Bergeron’s return has resurfaced. And for the first time in years, the host isn’t shutting the door completely. In a candid chat with USA Today, Bergeron revealed that he recently had lunch with longtime friend and original executive producer Conrad Green, who has since returned to helm the show. Their conversation? Whether Bergeron himself might step back into the spotlight — at least for a night.
“We did have lunch, and we did talk,” Bergeron confirmed. “And I offered a scenario where I might come back for a night in a certain capacity. The mirrorball is back in their court now.”
It’s hardly a definitive “yes,” but it’s far from the firm “no” fans had come to expect. While Bergeron made it clear he’s not seeking a full-time hosting role, the possibility of him appearing as a guest judge — or even in some other celebratory role — is now officially on the table.
This isn’t the first time the idea of a Bergeron cameo has come up. He nearly returned during the show’s milestone 500th episode last season but declined after producers asked him to sit in the audience rather than play an active role. “That’s not really me being back,” Bergeron explained, underscoring his desire to contribute meaningfully rather than as a background cameo.
Despite his absence, Bergeron has never fully distanced himself from the DWTS family. He often catches up with fellow alumni like Erin Andrews and Cheryl Burke, and he recently launched a tongue-in-cheek Shark Week series called Dancing With the Sharks — a playful nod to his ballroom legacy. It’s clear the world of sequins, foxtrots, and mirrorballs is still part of him, even if he’s found other stages to shine on.
Whether or not Tom Bergeron officially waltzes back into the ballroom, one thing is certain: his presence is deeply missed. Fans may love Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, who now co-host the series, but Bergeron remains the gold standard. And with his latest comments, hope is alive once again that the man who gave Dancing With the Stars its heart might have one last dance left in him.
