Goodbye Tom Bergeron and hello Alfonso Ribeiro.
After ending his 14-year run as the host of "America's Funniest Home Videos," Bergeron is passing the mic down to the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" alum. The announcement was made during the "Dancing with the Stars" season 20 finale on Tuesday, just moments after Ribeiro danced with season 19 contestant Sadie Robertson.
"You have given me so much love and support in doing this," Ribeiro said to Bergeron. "I'm so proud." Bergeron jokingly gave Ribeiro some advice, saying, "I only have one thing to say and you already know this from having to dance with Witney-wear a cup!" referring to the moment when his season 19 partner Witney Carson accidentally kicked Ribeiro in the groin.
"After receiving hundreds of inquiries, stacks of video submissions and a very close audition race, one smile, one funny and sincere delivery become our standout favorite-Alfonso Ribeiro. We look forward to Alfonso leading AFV into the next generation of family friendly viewership," Vin Di Bona, Executive producer of "AFHV," said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Bergeron, who has been the host of "DWTS" since 2005, announced in March 2014 that he would be stepping down as the host of "America's Funniest Home Videos" after the 25th season. Bergeron has hosted the show since 2001 and made his final appearance on the ABC comedy series on the May 17 episode.
ABC promises the upcoming season will include "an abundant supply of fresh clips to keep families laughing from coast to coast." Ribeiro, who won season 19 of "DWTS,' will begin as host when the show returns for its 26th season this fall, Entertainment Weekly reported.
"It won't be very different," Ribeiro told EW. "It's really about assisting the videos not trying to overpower the videos with your comedy. But I have a different energy than Tom does and I'm very animated and energetic, and some of that will absolutely come through. I'm sure it will be dance-related in some form.... For me to able to come in and replace Tom, who's my idol in the hosting world, will be a challenge but one that I feel excited to be a part of."
He continued, "It's really cool that I have Tom's blessing in this. All along Tom has said that I've been the one that he would love to replace him."
Ribeiro, also best known as Carlton Banks, will be the fourth person to host the humorous video competition series, following in the steps of "Full House" alum Bob Saget, John Fugelsang and Daisy Fuentes.
Ribeiro's most recent gigs include hosting "ABC Family's Spell-Mageddon," "GSN Live" and "Catch 21"
