ABC
It’s season 25 of Dancing With the Stars and some of our favorite veteran pro dancers have returned after being gone from the series. Even most of our beloved judges have come back as well, though Julianne Hough will be missing this season. With old favorites rejoining the cast, this means some of our other faves are not in the mix this season. Main cast members who you may be missing again this season include Karina Smirnoff, Derek Hough and Sasha Farber. But, let’s get more into the judges and also the returning co-hosts, with the latest news on each of them.
Carrie Ann Inaba
Carrie Ann Inaba has been living life as an engaged woman, but recently, her engagement ended and the couple split. In addition to being a part of the DWTS judging panel, she has also co-hosted Live! With Kelly over the summer. Inaba has the habit of chumming up with fellow DWTS judge and friend Bruno Tonioli. She also sometimes becomes very emotional after watching some of the contestants’ performances on the show. She’s known for being a stickler when it comes to lifts, which are not allowed in certain routines on Dancing With the Stars.
Bruno Tonioli
If Bruno Tonioli was not on this show, viewers would be heartbroken. He brings a life to the show unlike any other and he sets the judges’ panel on fire. Tonioli is easily the most animated cast member on the entire show. He provides comic relief and is extremely passionate with his critiques. Tonioli also works as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, as does DWTS judge Len Goodman.
Len Goodman
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Sometimes Len Goodman sits out episodes of the show in order to adhere to his own busy schedule. This allows guest judges to step in, but there have not been recent reports of this yet for the season. Goodman is often the most stern of the judges, though he does exhibit a light heart and a sense of humor. When contestants get “a ten from Len” as a score, it’s definitely a big deal, as host Tom Bergeron tells Parade:
Even when he’s grumpy, it’s always kind of “grumpy with a twinkle.” [There have been times] when I’ve suggested on camera “it’s time for a snack,” but I think his commentary and his critiques are the ones that the dancers—both the pros and the celebrities—value most. So with all respect to the other judges, when he says “from Len, a 10,” that means more to them. A 10 from him means a lot.
Len Goodman is a staple cast member.
Tom Bergeron
Tom Bergeron returns with the comic relief this season and he again takes on the role of the beloved host. When it comes to the new season, Bergeron reveals to Parade:
It’s going to be sort of a landmark season, the 25th of the show. It’s a big deal. And knowing the production team as well as I do, I know they’ve taken that into account when they’re booking it and building theme weeks and building sort of an arch for the season.
Bergeron has been the show host since the first season of Dancing With the Stars.
Erin Andrews
Co-host Erin Andrews returns and she always tries to get the gossip mill churning when it comes to showmance rumors on DWTS. Outside the ballroom, Erin Andrews has struggled with legal issues stemming from her invasion of privacy, showing her naked in a hotel room through a peep hole on her room door. She also has dealt with cervical cancer over the last year.
Over the summer, Andrews tied the knot with longtime love Jarret Stoll.
For more DWTS season 25 news: