ABC has made an announcement during the Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) season finale on Tuesday night that Alfonso Ribeiro will relieve Tom Bergeron as the host for 26th season of the America's Funniest Home Videos (AFV). Both personalities share a DWTS connection, as Ribeiro became the dancing champion in the season 19 of the ABC reality dancing competition series where Bergeron also hosts.
Alfonso Ribeiro, who originally became famous on his appearances as Carlton Banks on the 1990's The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and on sitcom Silver Spoons, has been no stranger to hosting stints. He currently works as host of Unwrapped 2.0 of Cooking Channel and formerly emceed over Game Show Network's Catch 21 and ABC Family's Spell-Mageddon. Ribeiro will start shooting episodes in June for the 26th season of AFV, which would be airing this fall.
"After receiving hundreds of inquiries, stacks of video submissions and a very close audition race, one smile, one funny and sincere delivery became our standout favorite -- Alfonso Riberio. We look forward to Alfonso leading AFV into the next generation of family friendly viewership," stated Vin Di Bona, executive producer of AFV.
Tom Bergeron, who has worked for almost 15 years as the longest running host of the ABC's longest-running primetime entertainment show, announced last March 2014 that he would be leaving the 25th season of the show. However, Bergeron would continue to host DWTS.
Bob Saget stayed for eight seasons for the series that highlights viewer-submitted videos, which started in 1989, and the tandem of John Fugelsang and Daisy Fuentes hosted the show for a short two years before Bergeron took over in 2001.
The AFV's incoming host tells that he is not planning to deviate madly from the Bergeron's style while creating his own vibe. "It won't be very different," Ribeiro informs EW. "It's really about assisting the videos not trying to overpower the videos with your comedy. I am 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."
AFV, viewed in 193 territories around the world, has appraised more than a million video clips from home viewers and has given away over $14 million in prize money. The show has become an iconic part of American pop culture, as demonstrated by its entry into the Smithsonian's permanent entertainment collection.
Along with a fresh host, the forthcoming season will welcome an ample supply of fresh video clips to keep families giggling from coast to coast, according to ABC.
