Sonia Kruger Faces Backlash for Joking at Former Co-Host on Dancing With The Stars Premiere

Popular television host Sonia Kruger stirred controversy on the recent premiere episode of the hit show Dancing With The Stars. Returning to the show alongside new co-host Chris Brown, Kruger couldn’t resist taking a dig at her former colleague, Daryl Somers.

During the show, Kruger quipped, ‘I was actually very seriously injured on Dancing with the Stars. I had to have, in fact, a host amputated,’ in reference to her former co-host Somers. This comment triggered a mix of reactions from the live audience and viewers at home.

Despite eliciting laughter from the live audience, some viewers expressed disapproval on social media platforms. Criticisms ranged from calling Kruger’s comments about Daryl Somers unprofessional and mean to labeling her as a ‘bitter old woman.’

Several disgruntled viewers branded the jokes as ‘pathetic’ and claimed they were missing Somers on the show. Comments like ‘I’m watching #DancingAU but feel sorry that Daryl isn’t hosting’ and ‘I love Dr Chris Brown, but I feel sorry for Daryl Somers’ circulated among online viewers.

Daryl Somers, a veteran Australian TV legend, aged 72, parted ways with the Dancing With The Stars franchise at the end of the previous season. He handed over the baton to Seven‘s new star, Dr. Chris Brown, who officially joined the Seven Network in July last year.

Daryl Somers, known for his role on Hey Hey It's Saturday, has a long history with the DWTS franchise, having previously co-hosted the show between 2004 and 2007. His reappearance in 2021 and 2022 alongside co-host Sonia Kruger was well-received by fans, leaving some feeling nostalgic for his presence on the show.

Dr. Chris Brown, who was rumored for the co-hosting role last year, reportedly missed out due to a contract miscalculation. This led to Somers resuming his hosting duties on DWTS, much to the surprise of viewers and industry insiders.