Tyra Banks says ‘it’s time’ to leave ‘Dancing with the Stars’

TV

By means of Nika Shakhnazarov

March 17, 2023 | 07:00

Tyra Banks teased her exit from “Dancing With The Stars,” saying “it’s time” for her to step away from the hosting gig.

The former model turned presenter and dance show host since 2020 told TMZ that she is already shifting her focus to her ice cream company SMiZE and Dream, which she launched in 2021.

“I’m really focused on business, focused like crazy,” she told the outlet on Thursday.

“SMiZE and Dream is global, so I think it’s time to really focus on my business and my entrepreneurship.”

When asked if that means she’s quitting her performance on “DWTS,” Banks said, “I think it’s time. I think my heart and soul is in my business and producing TV, and you can’t do that when you’re hosting a show.

“So you’ll see me making stuff, not just hosting.”

The former “America’s Next Top Model” host said that while she wants to move away from the hosting gig for now, she’s open to TV work in the future — but only behind the scenes.

“I think it’s time to move from the dance floor to the show floor,” she added. “Microphone dropped.”

The model’s time on the show was plagued with several on-air hiccups, awkward banter, and over-the-top fashion moments.

The backlash from her hosting duties was particularly intense during Season 29 when she accidentally announced the wrong bottom two couples on live TV – confusing the competitors, judges and fans back home.

“The world is mad at the talent, but there’s a whole control room and stuff and craziness happening,” Banks said of the flub while appearing at the Television Critics Association press tour in August 2021.

“And I get to eat certain things, say certain things that I’ve been told. But it is what it is.”

Banks said at the time that she also felt as host she should “take darts for the team”.

“I was blamed, and it wasn’t me,” she insisted. “And I think that’s a really important thing to say.”

Recently, Banks co-hosted Season 31 with “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star Alfonso Ribiero.

Professional dancer Mark Ballas recently announced his departure from the series after 20 seasons.

Original judge Len Goodman announced his retirement in November.