Entertainment TV Tyra Banks Praises 'Perfect Choice' Julianne Hough as 'Dancing with the Stars' Replacement: 'A Family Affair' Banks, who recently announced her departure as co-host after three seasons, added that Hough is "gonna crush it" By Dory Jackson Dory Jackson Instagram Twitter Website Dory Jackson is an Associate Editor for PEOPLE's digital TV team. While at the brand, she's had the opportunity to interview a long list of celebrities, from Kate Hudson to Pierce Brosnan to Billy Porter. She also recaps popular TV shows like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules.The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus in Communication Studies and Journalism. She came to PEOPLE in March 2021 after working at a number of major news companies, including Newsweek and Us Weekly. She also previously co-hosted a podcast called "Idol Nation." People Editorial Guidelines Published on March 29, 2023 11:19 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images; Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images Tyra Banks just gave her stamp of approval to Dancing with the Stars replacement Julianne Hough. Banks acknowledged that "the businesswoman in me sees how Julianne is great on multiple levels" for the co-hosting gig. "She's a professional dancer. She is the sister of Derek [Hough], a DWTS multi-champion, who is now a stellar judge," the supermodel, 49, told Us Weekly. "It's going to be a family affair in that ballroom, which people will love to watch. And she has so much personality and strong opinions backed by expertise." "She's a perfect choice! She's gonna crush it," she added. Julianne Hough Joining Alfonso Ribeiro as DWTS Co-Host After Tyra Banks' Exit Banks, who hosted the show for three seasons, announced her departure on March 16, saying, "I feel it's really time for me to focus on my business and my entrepreneurship, and also producing more TV — but behind the scenes." "I think it's time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor ... from the ballroom to the boardroom," she continued. Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images Banks continued, "I'm an entrepreneur at heart. ... I think my heart, my soul, is into my business, it's also into producing new TV. But, I really, really want to focus on my business, and you can't do that hosting a show." Tyra Banks Says 'I Have Serious Shoes to Fill' Hosting DWTS After Tom Bergeron: 'I Respect Him' ABC announced Hough's return to the series days later, revealing she'd take over Banks's former role for season 32. She will co-host alongside Alfonso Ribeiro, and her older brother will remain at the judge's table with Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; Noam Galai/Getty; Noam Galai/Getty Hough started as a dancer on the DWTS live tour before joining the series as a professional dancer from 2007 to 2009. She later returned as a judge for six seasons between 2014 and 2021. "What an incredible journey it has been to literally grow up with all of you in the ballroom and at home," she wrote on Instagram alongside several red heart emojis. "September can't come soon enough." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars is set to premiere this fall on Disney+.