Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba reacts to departure of Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews

Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba has shared her thoughts about the news that longtime host Tom Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews were suddenly let go from the show.

ABC confirmed on Monday that both Bergeron, 65, and Andrews, 42, would not be returning for the show’s 29th season, revealing on Tuesday that Tyra Banks would step in as the host.

Inaba opened up about the news in a video from an episode of her CBS series The Talk, slated to air on July 21, where she began, ‘I feel it was just such sudden news.’

She added that her, ‘heart breaks’ for both Bergeron and Andrews, with no reasons given for their removal, though a network statement said the show will, ’embark on a new creative direction.’   

‘I cried when I heard the news, as well as, I think a lot of our fans did,’ Inaba continued, before assuring fans that both Bergeron and Andrews, ‘will be fine.’

There has also been a lot of talk about Banks, 46, being the ‘first black host’ of Dancing With the Stars, with Inaba setting the record straight. 

‘People have been saying that Tyra is the first black host of Dancing with the Stars, and I just want to clarify, because season one we had Lisa Canning,’ Inaba said. 

‘Also, I don’t think that’s how we should be labeling her. She’s our new host. Period. It has nothing to do with the color of her skin. I think it has to do with all that Tyra Banks is,’ she said, adding that while it will be a change fans will ‘have to get used to,’ she added that they should ‘welcome her.’ 

Sheryl Underwood added that Banks will be the first solo host in DWTS history, asking Inaba if she plans on returning as a judge, along with Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman.

‘As of now, that is the plan. I just want everybody to know Len [Goodman], Bruno [Tonioli] and I, that is the plan that we’re coming back,’ Inaba said.

She adding the network will make ‘the official announcement in a few weeks’ but she didn’t want ‘fans to worry, adding, ‘It seems like everything is okay.’

ABC announced in June that Season 29 of DWTS will return in its regular Monday night 8 PM time slot.

Filming is expected to begin this fall, with new safety guidelines in place to keep the cast and crew safe from COVID-19.

Valerie Bruce, general manager, LA Productions, BBC Studios, revealed they are taking this iconic show in a new creative direction,’ though there is no word on how the show will differ from the past 28 seasons.

She also offered her, ‘sincere thanks to Tom and Erin, whom we will always consider part of the Dancing with the Stars’ family.’

Bergeron had hosted the show, based on the U.K. series Strictly Come Dancing, from its first season back in 2005, with Andrews coming on in 2014 as co-host.