DWTS fans call for Daryl Somers to return and replace Dr Chris Brown

Dr Chris Brown made his debut as the new co-host for Dancing with the Stars alongside returning presenter Sonia Kruger on Sunday.

But the celebrity vet, 45, had a lukewarm reception from fans of the dancing competition as they called for former host Daryl Somers to return.

Viewers took to X as the Channel Seven show unfolded, with most bemoaning the loss of the Hey Hey It’s Saturday star, 72, from their screens. 

One person wrote: ‘I’m watching #DancingAU but feel sorry that Daryl isn’t hosting.’

‘Don’t get me wrong, I love Dr Chris Brown, but I feel sorry for Daryl Somers,’ another said.

A third took a direct shot at Daryl’s replacement, commenting: ‘We still trying to make Chris Brown happen?’

Others disagreed with the naysayers, with one person saying: ‘I think Chris is going to be great in the post-performance, sky lounge role.’ 

Elsewhere, Sonia, 58, also copped her fair share of backlash as she came to the season ready with quips against her former co-host Daryl. 

The presenter, who returned to the series this year alongside new co-host Chris, couldn’t help but make a joke at the expense of her former sidekick. 

Television icon Daryl left the show at the end of the last season, and the Gold Logie nominee opted to take a little dig at her one-time colleague. 

‘I was actually very seriously injured on Dancing with the Stars. I had to have, in fact, a host amputated,’ she joked to Chris. 

While the comment got a laugh from the audience on the show, not everyone watching at home was impressed.   

‘Sonia’s repeated b***chy comments about Daryl Somers are not funny, they are unprofessional, mean and plain unnecessary,’ wrote one person on X. 

‘If I ever was going to vote for her for the Gold Logie, I’m certainly not going to now. Appalling,’ they added, calling Sonia a ‘mean girl’ and ‘bitter old woman’. 

Another disgruntled viewer agreed, responding, ‘Yep cringe show.’ 

Daryl was succeeded by Seven’s new star Chris this season, after the Aussie TV legend departure from the show was confirmed in October last year.

The Hey Hey It’s Saturday veteran was no stranger to the DWTS franchise, having previously co-hosted the show between 2004 and 2007.

He returned again in 2021 and 2022 alongside co-host Sonia.

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