Tyra Banks Says ‘It’s Time’ To Leave ‘Dancing With The Stars’

TV

Factor: Nika Shakhnazarova

March 17, 2023 | 07:00

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

The former model-presenter, who has hosted the dance show since 2020, told TMZ that she is shifting all her attention to her ice cream business, SMiZE and Dream, which she is launching in 2021.

“I’m really focused on the business, like crazy focused,” he said Thursday.

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

When Banks was asked if this means she’s moving on from her gig on “DWTS,” she said, “I think it’s time. I think my heart and soul is in my work and producing television, and you can’t do that when you’re hosting a show.

“So you see me creating things, not just hosting.”

The former “America’s Next Top Model” host said that while she plans to retire from the hosting gig for now, she is 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 stock market floor,” he added. “Mic drop.”

The model’s time on the show has been plagued by various television broadcast glitches, awkward banter and overwhelming fashion moments.

The backlash from her hosting duties was particularly intense in season 29 when she accidentally announced the wrong couple on live TV – confusing the contestants, judges and fans at home.

“The world is mad at talent, but there’s a whole control room, and things happen and craziness happens,” Banks said of the unrest during an appearance at the Television Critics Association press tour in August 2021.

“And I’m fed certain things, told certain things that are said to me. But it is what it is.”

Banks said at the time that she also felt like she had to “take a shot at the team” as host.

“I was blamed for that and it wasn’t me,” he insisted. “And I think that’s very important to say.”

Most recently, Banks co-hosted Season 31 with “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star Alfonso Ribeiro.

Professional dancer Mark Ballas recently announced that he is leaving the series after 20 seasons.

Original judge Len Goodman announced his retirement in November.