‘Dancing With the Stars’ Legend Coming Back After Vowing ‘Never’ To Return?

Easily one of the most successful reality shows ever, Dancing with the Stars has managed to last so long that the ABC show is currently airing its 34th season. Thanks to the show's impressive longevity, it has featured several legendary figures who are beloved by the series' fans.

Unfortunately for Dancing with the Stars' loyal viewers, one of the reality show's most beloved figures was fired and then vowed "never" to return. Despite his unceremonious and brutal exit, it has been announced that the DWTS legend is set to return to the series

Tom Bergeron Is Making His Surprising Return To ‘Dancing With the Stars'

On November 5, 2025, TV Insider reported that Tom Bergeron will be returning to Dancing with the Stars during the upcoming November 11 episode. While Bergeron is very fondly remembered as the reality show's longtime host, he will be returning in a new role, as a guest judge. Bergeron's DWTS comeback is well-timed as the episode he will be part of is being billed as the show's "20th Birthday Party."

For their article about Bergeron's return, TV Insider spoke to the original Dancing with the Stars host about his surprising comeback to the reality show that he last appeared on in 2019. While talking to the outlet, Bergeron explained that his return is coming because DWTS' current showrunner, Conrad Green, was his former boss, and they are friends.

"I have to give all credit to Conrad Green, who was my first showrunner back when we premiered in 2005," Bergeron told TV Insider. "I'm happy to say he's back in that role currently, and boy, has he righted that ship. I mean, wow. The numbers, I texted [executive producer] Deena Katz, and I said, "I'm particularly enjoying watching the show beat The Voice."

"Conrad has really done a lovely job of reaching out to me and offering an olive leaf," Bergeron said. "and we're friends, and so, in the past 12 months, when this idea popped into my head, [I thought] 'Yeah, I think I'll be very comfortable spending a lot more than a minute there.'"

As he continued to speak to the outlet, Bergeron told TV Insider what they can expect from his upcoming DWTS return. "It's going to be very similar to my hosting style: somewhat loose and unpredictable."

Tom Bergeron Once Pledged to ‘Never’ Return To ‘Dancing With the Stars’

In October 2023, Tom Bergeron appeared on Cheryl Burke's "Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans" podcast. During the resulting conversation, the two Dancing with the Stars veterans spoke about whether Bergeron would ever return to the reality show. When Burke asked if the reality show's former host would make a comeback, Bergeron instantly stated he wouldn't. "No. Never."

When Burke asked him to explain why he was ruling out a Dancing with the Stars return, Bergeron argued there was no reason for him to appear on the show. "It's not the same show. It's not the same world. I did it for [15] years; there's no point. What would I prove?"