From the glitzy ballroom of *Dancing With the Stars* to the comfort of his own living room, Tom Bergeron has gracefully bowed out of this season’s festivities. The beloved TV host, known for his sharp wit and charming banter, recently made a cameo appearance as a guest judge on the popular dance competition show, marking his return after a five-year hiatus. But when a fan inquired if he would be present for the finale on Nov. 25, Bergeron cheekily replied on Instagram, “I’ll be with them in spirit, but watching from home.”
This casual response came on the heels of Bergeron sharing a throwback video from his behind-the-scenes visit to the *DWTS* ballroom last year. The clip captured a poignant moment as Bergeron stood alone in the empty studio, gazing up at the iconic mirrorball overhead. Reflecting on his past experiences on the show, he quipped, “Well, looks pretty familiar. I think they have bigger balls.”
The Emmy-winning host went on to reminisce about a memorable visit to the *DWTS* set in 2024, where he hosted a touching memorial for his late friend and mentor, Peter Marshall. Little did he know that his next visit in 2025 would bring a surprise reunion with the dance competition he once thought he had left behind.
Bergeron’s journey with *Dancing With the Stars* has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. In 2020, he declared he would never return to the show, stating that the “train had left the station.” However, a change of heart led him back to the ballroom in 2025, where he joined the judging panel for the show’s 20th anniversary celebration.
This shift in perspective can be attributed to Bergeron’s newfound appreciation for the show, especially after reconnecting with original showrunner Conrad Green in 2022. Over lunch, he pitched the idea of making a one-night return to *DWTS,* a decision fueled by nostalgia and gratitude for the impact it had on his career.
As the curtain falls on another season of *Dancing With the Stars,* Bergeron’s presence, though virtual this time, continues to remind us of the enduring legacy of the beloved dance competition. In a world where change is constant, some things, like the magic of the ballroom, remain timeless.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.