The Real Story Behind Samantha Harris' Departure from 'Dancing With the Stars' Unveiled: Unveiling the Axe

Samantha Harris explained in a podcast episode that her departure from Dancing With the Stars in 2010 didn't happen the way fans thought it did. She mentioned that she had just finished Season 9, bought a new house, and even purchased a timeshare because everything was going well. Then, she received a phone call that changed everything.

During her time cohosting DWTS with Tom Bergeron from season 2 to season 9, Harris was informed by ABC executives that they were making changes for season 10. However, she agreed to tell the press a different story at that time, with the approval of ABC. Harris explained that she was asked by Entertainment Tonight to travel more for her journalism gig, which she was happy to do.

Harris characterized her decision to step away from DWTS in order to prioritize her ET duties as a "choice," emphasizing that the popular ABC competition show had been her "dream job" and that she would have gladly committed to it on a full-time basis.

Samantha Harris attended the 10th anniversary of ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars' at Greystone Manor in West Hollywood, California on April 21, 2015. Speaking about her departure from the show, Harris mentioned that it was difficult for her to share her story and clarified that it was not her decision to leave DWTS. She stated that an ABC executive had called her and informed her that they wanted to make some changes to the show to keep viewers engaged.

The journalist claimed that the network's decision amounted to cutting one of the show's key figures. Harris pointed out that Bergeron was a long-time host on ABC and a great partner on the show, so his dismissal came as a surprise. In July 2020, Bergeron, along with cohost Erin Andrews, was replaced by Tyra Banks for season 29, leading to Harris feeling like she was the one to take the fall. Harris also mentioned that her time hosting the show had other discomforting moments.

Harris stated that before announcing her pregnancy with her first child in 2007, she was instructed to put on weight. She explained, "I interpreted it as them telling me, 'You need to be pale and chubby,' but what they actually said was, 'You're becoming too tan and too toned.'" Harris alleged that the executives expressed concern that her appearance was "confusing" for viewers because she looked too similar to the dancers on camera.

She alleged that the executives instructed her, “We need you to cease all self-tanning,” before making comments about her weight. “I was specifically told to put on weight. They had no idea I was pregnant. I was naturally going to gain weight,” Harris recounted, expressing her disbelief at the reported comments.

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When Harris did share that she was pregnant, she said the network was “amazing” with her and made sure to help her have an easier schedule.

Since Harris’ DWTS departure, there have been several changes in the hosting seat. The current emcees are Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, who concluded season 32 earlier this month.