Tyra Banks Finally Speaks Out About Julianne Hough Replacing Her On 'DWTS' After She Quit

Tyra Banks has approved Julianne Hough to become the "Dancing With The Stars" co-host in her stead after leaving the reality show. The TV personality and supermodel recently revealed that she was leaving 'DWTS' to focus on her entrepreneurship and business interests.

Hough, who was previously on the dance show as a contestant, will return to host the 2023 season. Banks loves that "DWTS" is keeping it a "family affair" by bringing back an alum to co-host.

After three seasons, the "Life Size" actress will miss her time on the series. Banks has future projects scheduled for release with ABC. Her relationship with the network is too strong to say goodbye so soon. 

Read on to find out more. 

Banks revealed that Hough would make a great host on "DWTS'" next season alongside her former co-host Alfonso Ribeiro. She told Us Weekly what a good choice Hough was and approved of the selection. Banks said, "The businesswoman in me sees how Julianne is great on multiple levels."

The "DWTS" alum will make a comeback on the show after joining the cast in 2007 and winning twice with her celebrity partners. Though an official date is yet to be announced, Hough's brother and fellow "DWTS" champion Derek Hough revealed that season 32 would debut in the fall of 2023.

Banks went on to gush about the "Dirty Grandpa" actress and revealed that she would do great as a "DWTS host. She highlighted Hough's personality, confidence, and professionalism as a good combo for the role. Banks noted, "She's a perfect choice! She's gonna crush it!"

Banks highlighted other qualities about the 34-year-old that make her a good fit. She noted that Hough was a professional dancer and the sibling to the "DWTS" "multi-champion" and "stellar judge," Derek Hough. While referring to the siblings, Banks said, "It's going to be a family affair in that ballroom which people will love to watch."

The 49-year-old announced she was quitting "DWTS" after three seasons in a statement to TMZ earlier in March. She explained that she was leaving to focus on other parts of her career, including entrepreneurship and business opportunities. Per an insider, Banks is "constantly evolving and looking for new ways to amplify her platform" and "expand her brand."

The "America's Next Top Model" creator started her journey on "DWTS" in the 29th season, which premiered in 2020. She became the show's new host and executive producer in place of longtime host Tom Bergeron. The supermodel also became the first female African-American host of the dancing competition show.

At the time, she was excited and spoke to "Good Morning America" about the opportunity. She said, "I like breaking those doors down, so that we don't have any more firsts. But it's nice to be first, so that you can open that door and let so many other people in after you..."

The "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" actress admitted that she would miss her former co-stars on "DWTS." She will specifically miss Carrie Ann Inaba, who has been a judge on the show for almost a decade, and Ribeiro, whom she starred with on "Fresh Prince." Banks said, "I'm going to miss Carrie Ann's kindness and warm heart of course, reminiscing with Alfonso about the good ole Fresh Prince days." 

The star will also miss appearing on-stage in "over-the-top outfits to such a hyped ballroom" during her time on "DWTS." She recalled some memorable moments on the show, including "seeing Derek Hough in person." The professional dancer holds the record for the most wins on "DWTS."

Banks is not done with the show's network and reportedly has future projects in the works. Per US Weekly, a source revealed she loved being on the reality series so much that it inspired her to continue her connection with ABC. The source said, "She enjoyed her time doing DWTS and working with everyone involved, from production to network execs to the cast."