Alfonso Ribeiro is waltzing right in as the new co-host of “Dancing with the Stars.”
The Bronx, New York-born actor, whose eccentric dance moves as Carlton on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” helped make him a fan favorite, will host the Disney+ competition show’s 31st season alongside returning emcee Tyra Banks, the network announced Thursday.
Ribeiro, 50, won the 19th season of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2014 as the partner of professional Witney Carson.
“‘Dancing with the Stars’ has been such an important part of my life for so many years, and I am ecstatic to officially re-join this tight-knit family as co-host,” Ribeiro said.
“Tyra and I have a longstanding friendship that I hope will resonate with all of the fans at home as we kick off this new season on Disney+.”
Ribeiro has hosted multiple game shows, including two iterations of the blackjack-inspired “Catch 21.” The 2019 revival of that Game Show Network series also featured Carson as the card dealer.
Banks was the solo host of Seasons 29 and 30 of “Dancing with the Stars,” and is also an executive producer on the show.
“I’ve known Alfonso since I was 19 years old and he always puts a smile on my face whenever I see him,” Banks said.
“Having such a fun-loving, longtime friend as co-host warms my heart,” the supermodel continued. “Plus, he’s won the competition before, so he knows exactly what the stars are going through. Bantering back and forth with him live is going to be so much fun!”
Season 31 of “DWTS” will be the show’s first on Disney+ after previously airing on ABC. A premiere date has not been announced.
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