Supermodel Tyra Banks is enjoying her new role as the host and executive producer of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), but her son, 4-year-old York Banks Asla, isn’t impressed.
Dancing with the Stars kicked off Season 29 on September 14, with famous guests such as actress Skai Jackson, rapper Nelly, and Carole Baskin of Netflix’s Tiger King. However, that isn’t enough to keep little York entertained, as Tyra says that he gets “bored” watching it. “He will be with my mom on the couch, bored,” says Banks. “He’s very verbal. He’ll say, ‘Why do we have to watch Mommy’s TV?'”
Tyra Banks shares York with her ex-boyfriend Erik Asla, and even though York finds DWTS boring, Tyra loves nothing more than spending time with her son after a busy day of work. “Coming home to him makes it all worth it,” says Tyra. “If it’s late, I’ll get into bed and cuddle with him.” As for raising York during the coronavirus pandemic, Banks says that for York, it’s “just life.” “I find little kids so interesting,” says Banks. “At first wearing a mask was awkward, but now, it’s all he knows. It’s just normal.”
Tyra Banks isn’t taking care of York during the pandemic by herself; she has her mother, Carolyn London to help her out. “My mom moved in with us and it feels like the most natural thing,” says Banks. “Human beings are pack animals, so it’s strength in numbers. And it is such a blessing, though she gets on my nerves sometimes. She buys way too many groceries!”
Tyra Banks, who formerly hosted America’s Next Top Model, took over the DWTS host position from longtime host Tom Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews, who were both cut from the show in July. Many DWTS fans were upset by the decision, but Tyra assures fans that out of respect for Bergeron, she isn’t going to come in and “try to change everything.”
“Dancing with the Stars is one of the biggest shows on TV, with a huge audience, and I really respect that,” says Banks. “I can’t come in with a battering ram and try to change everything. That would be a bad business decision and dumb leadership. So I’m not doing that.”
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“I have serious shoes to fill. I have respect for him. And when the network called me, I sat on it for a very long time, because I knew what Tom had done,” Banks said of Bergeron. “The host is the ringmaster. And I thought, ‘Can I bring something fresh and exciting?’ I called my mama and she said, ‘You need to do this.’ So I’m going to bring what I bring!”
Dancing with the Stars next airs on September 22 on ABC.
