Alfonso Ribeiro has been named the new co-host of Dancing With The Stars season 31 alongside Tyra Banks, and he is now revealing what he wants to change about the show when he takes on his new role. Dancing With The Stars season 31 is making the unprecedented move from ABC to Disney+ in the fall. Alfonso, who is best known for starring as Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and as the host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, joins his long-time friend Tyra, who has faced harsh criticism as the host of the show for two years.
In 2020, fans were outraged when Tyra replaced Tom Bergeron, who hosted Dancing With The Stars for 28 seasons, and Erin Andrews, who co-hosted seasons 18-28. With her over-the-top costumes and awkward timing on live television, Tyra faced the ire of fans who did not think that she was the best person to host the show. The addition of Alfonso, who won Dancing With The Stars season 19 in 2014 with his professional dance partner Witney Carson, may be a welcome change since he has experience with hosting and the show itself.
In an interview with People, Alfonso revealed the change that he would like to make when he takes the reins as co-host. He said that he is “super excited” to be able to be on stage with Tyra and the rest of cast, and it is “quite special” for him “to be part of that family again.” Alfonso explained that the dancers are friends of his and they really do all hang out together and talk outside of the show. Therefore, he shared, “My goal is to bring back a sense of the happy and the fun, and the family atmosphere, that this show has always felt like for me.”
Alfonso went on to say that he wants to become friends with all of the Dancing With The Stars contestants this year and allow himself to be able to sit and talk with them. His plan is “after their dance, I want to get honest and true feelings from them and make people laugh and make people smile again. I feel like sometimes it gets a little serious. And while it needs to be that also, it also needs to be light and fun and cheery.” Alfonso also shared that he and Tyra have known each other since junior high school, and they worked together during Tyra’s first acting job on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He said that he thinks it will be nice for them to work together again “and to bring the fun out and have some fun on that stage. Smile and laughter, and enjoyment for everyone.”
Alfonso’s goal to bring back some levity and laughter to Dancing With The Stars will be a welcome change. The show is meant to entertain, and fans should leave each episode feeling happy instead of frustrated or angry. Although it is a competition show, there is no need for it to be taken so seriously. Alfonso will be a breath of fresh air as the co-host of Dancing With The Stars.
