Alfonso Ribeiro is looking forward to another year as co-moderator Dancing with the stars next to Julianne Hough.
“I can't wait to conquer that stage with Julianne. The two of us – especially in the last year – have become really close friends and we enjoy working together,” Ribeiro, 52, said exclusively We weekly on Tuesday, August 27, while promoting his partnership with Bob Evans. “I think it's going to be a magical season for both of us.”
Ribeiro won the 19th season of DWTS at the partner's side Whitney Carson in 2014 before returning as co-host of the 31st season with Tyra Banks in 2022. Hough, 36, took over from 50-year-old Banks for season 32 in 2023. Although winning the Mirrorball trophy was exciting, Ribeiro is happy to be in his era as host.
“I like hosting because this job comes around every year. In a competition, you only get one chance,” he said. “I love this job. I think being a host was my destiny from the beginning. I think all the other jobs I've done in my life have led to me being a host and being able to do this particular job.”
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Ribeiro added that he loves being part of the “ups and downs” and “really connecting with the pros and the celebrities” throughout the competition. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Alum is looking forward to the announcement of the cast of the 33rd season and agrees with the first casting announcement: Olympic gymnast and pommel horse specialist Stephen Nedoroscik.
“I'm so happy to have him here,” Ribeiro said of the 25-year-old Nedoroscik. “Every year it's a great lineup.”
A nice aspect of Ribeiro's job as a host is that his family can watch him at work.
“My wife [Angela Unkrich] comes to pretty much every dance show,” he said. “We went together when I [an audience member] between winning the show and being part of the show. We would just go, sit in the audience and enjoy the show.”
Ribeiro's four children — daughter Sienna, 21, whom he has with his ex-wife Robin Staplerand his sons Alfonso Jr. (10) and Anders (9) as well as daughter Ava (9), whom he has with Unkrich, will also perform in the ballroom.
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“It's great to see them in the audience. It's nice for me to show them what I do,” said the actor. “When I'm home, I'm just dad. I'm not Alfonso Ribeiro, the host, whatever – I'm just dad. And that's why it's nice when I can just show them: 'This is what dad does.'”
Despite his busy schedule, Ribeiro says “family always comes first.” When hosting family gatherings like a Labor Day barbecue, he appreciates the convenience and quality of Bob Evans’ food.
“Bob Evans baked macaroni and cheese is always a great Labor Day meal that everyone will love, and you can do whatever you want with it. You can put bacon in it, you can add whatever you want,” Ribeiro said. “I think the key is always to make it quick and easy. If you need to make more, you can make it quick. And of course, the Bob Evans side [dishes]You can do it in 10 minutes… without compromising on taste and enjoyment. [It’s] everything about the people who are visiting you and who want to spend a nice day with you and [the] Support your family and friends.”
Season 33 of Dancing with the stars Premieres on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesday, September 17 at 8 p.m. ET.
With reporting by Sarah Jones
